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

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 What couldn’t be hidden, however, was the Purosangue’s 4,481-pound dry weight, which is where the new configuration comes into play. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026 In a teardrop configuration, air flows smoothly around the widest point and rejoins cleanly in its wake, creating minimal turbulence, similar to the cross-section of an airplane wing. Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026 The upcoming sodium-ion Naxtra variant features a completely different pure-electric configuration. Omar Kardoudi april 28, New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2026 SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by Elon Musk, was originally awarded the contract to develop a configuration of its Starship vehicle, known as the Human Landing System, for the first Artemis mission to send astronauts to the surface. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
Noun
  • As the Moon moves into Capricorn this afternoon, attention shifts toward what works, what needs structure, and what can hold up over time.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • There were signs of rodent entry in some structures on the couple’s property.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • As the model is semi-custom, the owner could pick between two layouts and customize certain areas.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
  • The images convincingly matched the visual layout and typography used by the two publications, filled in coherent text, and generated the names of actual authors.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The eccentric design of Olana was inspired by fortresses in Persia (where, curiously, Church hadn’t travelled), as well as Italian, East Indian, Gothic Revival, and French Second Empire architecture.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This fanny pack offers a streamlined design that blends easily with your go-to travel outfit.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Scientists still have much left to learn about the billions of bubble-like shapes, Helm said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • Incorporate Fruit and Berry Bowls An instant way to add more shape and sculptural elements to your kitchen is through berry bowls, says interior designer Danushka Boulos.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Within this framework, Keiko positioned herself as a conservative political figure broadly aligned with pro-market economic policies and tough-on-crime positions, while seeking to distance herself, at least rhetorically, from the excesses of her father’s government.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
  • His opponents mostly argue within the same framework, insisting the system should be fairer but still organized around the same ideals.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Both the absolute and relative formations have been developing since the beginning of 2026.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 6 May 2026
  • And finally, there is the confusing formation of an unusual star cluster named Fornax 6 in the Fornax satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, which could have occurred if a dense patch of dark matter acted as a gravitational trap capturing passing stars.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The collaboration will combine creative vision with access to capital and a long-term strategy for building cinematic worlds that extend across formats and audiences.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Skeptics point out oral exams can be unsettling for students who are shy or have serious anxiety, but clarifying the format ahead of time and starting with softball questions can help, says Carolyn Aslan, who leads Cornell’s oral exam training.
    Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Friendly and open but naturally quiet, the game is her ultimate form of expression.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The desire to be original and authentic, and to use the creative process as a form of discovery and self-expression, largely replaced overt concerns with God.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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