formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
Synonyms of formulate

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce to or express in a formula
formulate the area of a rectangle
b
: to put into a systematized statement or expression
formulate long-term goals
c
: devise
formulate a policy
formulate a plan
2
a
: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures
b
: to prepare according to a formula
formulate the vaccine against malaria
formulator
ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce formulate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of formulate

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Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another steered people to collagen creams for lifting, which included products for calming irritation and a cream formulated for reducing redness. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The treatment formulated for their skin will combine prescription-strength actives such as retinoids, brightening agents, and skin-supporting compounds. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 The thickening shampoos and conditioners are formulated with argan oil, biotin, collagen, keratin and saw palmetto. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 This includes interpreting standing rules and precedents, advising on the wording of motions, helping formulate statements, and answering parliamentary inquiries or points of order. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formulate

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Phrases Containing formulate

Rhymes for formulate

See All Rhymes for formulate

Browse Nearby Words

formulatable
formulate
formulation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
1
: to express in a formula
2
: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly
formulate a plan
formulation
ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən
noun
formulator
ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce formulate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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