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Synonyms

formalize

American  
[fawr-muh-lahyz] / ˈfɔr məˌlaɪz /
especially British, formalise

verb (used with object)

formalized, formalizing
  1. to make formal, especially for the sake of official or authorized acceptance.

    to formalize an understanding by drawing up a legal contract.

  2. to give a definite form or shape to.

  3. to state or restate (the rules or implied rules of a grammar or the like) in symbolic form.


formalize British  
/ ˈfɔːməˌlaɪz /

verb

  1. to be or make formal

  2. (tr) to make official or valid

  3. (tr) to give a definite shape or form to

  4. logic to extract the logical form of (an expression), to express in the symbols of some formal system

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • formalization noun
  • formalizer noun
  • overformalize verb
  • unformalized adjective

Etymology

Origin of formalize

First recorded in 1590–1600; formal 1 + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They formalize discussions around career planning to make sure employees are getting support, feedback and guidance.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 1943 the Quebec Agreement formalized a collaboration between British and American scientists who would build the atomic bomb.

From The Wall Street Journal

The mechanism would help to formalize and identify what kinds of goods the United States should be exporting to and importing from China, he said.

From Barron's

The post pointed to recent AI-chip export agreements reached in the Middle East as an example and said current discussions are aimed at formalizing that approach.

From Barron's

It had planned to formalize the changes with an email to customers in February, but has been holding off.

From The Wall Street Journal