formulate

verb

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

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 noun

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 Plus, with a pH of 5.5, this is formulated to maintain skin’s sensitive and precious balance. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 Expert Tip: Both the shampoo and conditioner are formulated at 1.5x strength, so use a small amount to start. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 This learning curve of having to understand how the data is structured and how to formulate a successful query was difficult for many users to overcome. Alon Goren, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 In the spring of 1974, Kissinger even requested that the Joint Chiefs of Staff formulate a limited nuclear response to a hypothetical Soviet invasion of Iran. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The idea of a head-to-head competition was formulated from there. Shayna Rubin, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024 They’re formulated with essential oils and without preservatives, artificial dyes, or unnecessary flavorings. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 Also, unless a scrub is specifically formulated for both face and body, stick to facial cleansing brushes and scrubs for your face. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 Today, the best foundations are formulated with complexion-boosting ingredients targeted toward a specific skin care concern while also offering light- to full-coverage options. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near formulate

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

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