Crossword Genius

Way chief shows formality (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starch

'formality' is the definition.
(being excessively formal or stiff)

'way chief' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'chief' becomes 'arch' (synonyms).
'st'+'arch'='STARCH'

'shows' is the link.

(Other definitions for starch that I've seen before include "Carbohydrate; stiffen" , "Reserve" , "Potato, rice constituent; a stiffener" , "foodstuff" , "Stiffening carbohydrate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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