General synonyms:
* Ceremony: "The event was marked by a great deal of ceremony."
* Ritual: "The ceremony involved a complex ritual of greetings and offerings."
* Protocol: "They strictly adhered to the protocol of diplomatic relations."
* Convention: "It was a convention to wear a suit to the event."
* Propriety: "She was a stickler for propriety and insisted on using the formal address."
* Decorum: "He maintained his composure and decorum even in the face of adversity."
Words emphasizing stiffness or formality:
* Stiffness: "There was a stiffness in the air as they met for the first time."
* Rigidity: "The rules governing the ceremony were rigid and unforgiving."
* Starchy: "He had a starchy demeanor that made everyone feel uncomfortable."
* Pretentiousness: "The event was filled with pretentiousness, and everyone seemed more interested in appearances than substance."
* Artificiality: "The forced smiles and small talk created an artificiality that felt insincere."
Words emphasizing formality in writing or speech:
* Formalism: "The legal document was filled with formalism, using archaic language and complicated structures."
* Technicality: "They got caught up in technicalities and missed the bigger picture."
Words emphasizing politeness:
* Courtesy: "He showed great courtesy to his guests, even though he was feeling unwell."
* Politeness: "Politeness was expected at all times, even during heated debates."
* Respect: "He treated his elders with respect, addressing them formally."
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the desired tone of your writing or speech.