merely formal

Frequency: 7.212.1 per million words

Suggests that something is formal in appearance or procedure but lacks real substance or importance.

formalADVERB + formal

Categories:

merely

Examples (10)

  • The board's approval was merely formal; the budget had already been allocated.
  • His letter of apology sounded merely formal and failed to address the issue.
  • The ceremony was merely formal, lasting five minutes with no speeches.
  • The contract amendment is merely formal to align the dates.
  • Their alliance remains merely formal, with little real cooperation.
  • The interview seemed merely formal since the decision was made beforehand.
  • In minor cases like this, the complaint process is merely formal.
  • Her promotion was merely formal, confirming duties she was already performing.
  • The committee's review proved merely formal and raised no new questions.
  • The requirement is merely formal; you just need to tick the box.