configuration

noun

kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
Definition of configurationnext
1
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome

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2
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized a small business computer system in its simplest configuration

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3
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged his photographs have an intentionally loose configuration, with no single object intended as the primary center of interest

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4
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance a birthday cake in the configuration of a top hat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of configuration Due to his body's configuration, Cooper also cannot get up from lying down on his side, Keegan said. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Once the spin is stopped, the company plans to update the craft's guidance, navigation and control systems to compensate for the degraded configuration. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 July 2026 Amazon just put a variety of MacBooks on sale, slashing up to $500 off the most expensive MacBook Pro configurations. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026 For time spent on land, the island also features a compact golf course with three greens and multiple teeing areas that can be arranged into 21 different hole configurations. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
  1. structure
  2. layout
  3. design
  4. shape
  5. framework
  6. formation
  7. format
  8. form
Noun
  • What the difference in brain structure between liberals and conservatives?
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Because of Micron’s corporate structure, the company needed to take the exemption two times, requiring it to pay on a maximum of $800 million in assessed value, according to Brad Smith, chief deputy at the Ada County Assessor’s Office.
    — Mark Dee August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • But finishing first and second in the model’s inaugural appearance confirmed the engineering brilliance of the 250 P’s mid-engine layout.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • The converted building with its red brick facade is favored for its large windows, multi-level layouts, outdoor terraces and ceilings that reach up to 25 feet.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Out of hundreds of entries around the world, the park’s design won first-place in the World Landscape Architecture Awards public design concept category.
    — Noah Daly July 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
  • From a 1924 Neo-basque house to design-forward flats with scenic balconies, add the seven Airbnbs below to your Biarritz bucket list.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Stolzenberg’s lab focuses on pre-clinical research into how the hormones involved with pregnancy and motherhood shape rodents’ brains to develop treatments for peripartum mood disorders.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The structure of the pants helps balance the wide shoulders of her blazer, adding shape without restricting movement.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Under the framework, individual project task statements will set the technical scope, funding, deliverables, and schedule for specific activities.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, America has some of the world’s best innovators building the next generation of financial infrastructure onchain, yet for years they’ve been forced to navigate a regulatory framework defined more by lawsuits than legislation.
    — Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Along with discovering sulfur crystals, shiny meteorites and other unusual rock formations, Curiosity has made some of its biggest discoveries about ancient Mars, the space agency said.
    — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The legislation led to the formation of local agencies that are responsible for halting chronic declines in groundwater levels, including by imposing pumping limits and fees.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • Along the way, cast members sit for personal fate readings and open up about relationships and losses in their own lives, then move into direct contact with shamanic ritual, a practice the format positions as central to Korean spiritual life.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • To what degree will the Imax exclusivity and other premium formats factor into the theatrical success of either title?
    — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • There’s no spa or fitness center—wellness here comes in the form of fresh ocean air, bike rides, and harbor walks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • In its simplest form, scientists can put a chunk of soil in a mason jar, measure how much gas is released over time, then extrapolate a total figure.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of form

Browse Nearby Words

confiding
configuration
configurations
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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

Nglish: Translation of configuration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about configuration

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