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 Exact numbers are fluid, because venue configurations are still being finalized. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The 2026 Transit Cargo Van starts at $49,400 for the T-250 Regular configuration. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 But depending on the megaconstellation’s configuration, the sheer abundance of satellites might make avoiding them impossible, the study found. — Arielle Frommer, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 Users can control features — temperature, lighting, seat configuration and music — both in the app and the vehicle, through multiple touchscreens inside the van. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 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
  • Local officials said some structures have already burned in the blaze.
    — Jenna Harrison, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Ask about the fee, set a payment structure, and clarify the boundary kindly.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Bitcoin got a boost after the White House hosted crypto leaders and urged Congress to pass the Clarity Act, a bill focused on crypto infrastructure and clearer layout on which federal agencies would regulate crypto.
    — Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The layout of Homey, operated out of a hybrid office-store, unfolds residence-like, from living room to dining room, from kitchen to family room.
    — Judy Sutton Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Vintage Modern builds custom cars by hand at its Buford facility, using classic designs as the inspiration while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Researchers spent decades trying to target a group of mutations called RAS — responsible for nearly a third of all human cancers — but the protein’s flat shape defied typical drugs.
    — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And the collectors are looking for independent thinking, independent viewpoints, different designs, different shapes, different ideas.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The plan is to establish a framework for a site-specific maritime nuclear readiness study at the Port of Corpus Christi.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Yet despite the mounting evidence, pregnant women are still only inconsistently recognized as a clinically vulnerable group across public health guidance and government frameworks.
    — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • The researchers argue that the enormous cliff system triggered prolonged erosion that stripped away vast amounts of rock and helped expose some of North America’s oldest geological formations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Penn State campus happens to sit on a karst formation, where water has slowly altered limestone bedrock, potentially creating a variety of weak spots.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • Mintel principal strategist Andrew McDougall says 22% of consumers would consider using GLP-1s in the future based on the approval of oral formats.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Made to be refilled, the scent comes in the three formats of 35-, 50- and 100-ml, retailing at $110, $150 and $180, respectively.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • This form of high blood pressure is one of several hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • OneWeave suspends thousands of yarns around a central core and weaves them into seamless forms, combining fabric formation with portions of garment assembly.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about configuration

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