1. excessive adherence to prescribed forms, rules, or ceremonies
2. mathematical or logical systems expressed in symbolic form
Usage: mathematics; logic
3. artistic or literary techniques that emphasize form over content
Usage: art; literature

Examples

• The company’s formalisms made simple decisions unnecessarily complicated.
• Academic formalisms often discourage creative thinking in students.
• Mathematical formalisms help express complex theories precisely.
• The professor explained various logical formalisms used in computer science.
• Critics accused the artist of empty formalisms that lacked emotional depth.
• Legal formalisms can sometimes obstruct justice rather than serve it.
• The ceremony was full of ancient formalisms that few people understood.