formality
Definitions
The rigid observance of rules, conventions, or etiquette.
A procedure or action performed merely to comply with requirements or custom.
The quality or state of being formal.
Examples
The handshake was merely a formality before the two rivals began their intense negotiations.
He found the strict formality of the royal dinner party to be quite stifling.
Signing the document was just a legal formality required to finalize the property transfer.
Synonyms
protocol ceremony decorum convention procedure propriety etiquette
Antonyms
informality casualness familiarity laxity ease naturalness spontaneity