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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The rocket’s reusable configuration can launch a payload of up to 35,275 pounds into what is called low Earth orbit, Xinhua said. — Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 More specifically, usable capacity jumps from 46 Ah on the single AGM setup to 64 Ah on the dual-LFP configuration. — New Atlas, 10 July 2026 The more powerful upper stage engine is part of a suite of upgrades included in the Ariane 6 Block 2 configuration. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 Alongside booths, the TIFF Market is also laying on 400 industry screening slots, across all configurations. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 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
  • The changes are adaptive changes of the structure and function of the heart.
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • The structure of Iran’s regime was built following the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Buyers will be able to tailor the interior with exclusive leather, Alcantara, and a choice of Comfort or Racing seats, both featuring six vertical grooves as a subtle nod to the six-speed layout.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
  • Likewise, the layout of the rooms could change and because the AI would generate the video separately from the audio, the lips would need to be manually matched, frame by frame, to the pre-recorded voice tracks.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • The plug-and-play design can be installed using a heavy-duty forklift and relies on simple air cooling instead of more complex liquid cooling systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • The costume design course was announced earlier this year, alongside the appointment of three-time Oscar-winning costumer designer Sandy Powell as its ambassador.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 July 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • What differentiates Ammortal from the glut of wellness and optimization products on the market, according to its charismatic and observably in-shape founder, is the promise of a more all-encompassing experience of physical and mental restoration.
    — Jake Nevins, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • The compatibility between their shapes allows lactase to break lactose apart into its simple sugar components, which are more easily managed by the digestive system.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The ceasefire framework explicitly designates Iran and Oman to negotiate the strategic waterway’s future management, giving Araghchi’s visit to Muscat particular significance.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Among them was a new oracy framework intended to strengthen spoken communication.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Military planners increasingly view active counter-drone systems as essential for protecting armored formations near the front lines.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • In school, students are placed in close, sustained proximity with peers for years, and the conditions for friendship formation are essentially engineered.
    — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • Across formats including mat, reformer and hybrid, the benefits include improved posture and pain relief.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • Instead of chasing ultra-light minimalism, it is built around a thicker, more heavy-duty format, combined with a bold futuristic design language.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 July 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Extreme corsetry, volumes, and silhouettes morphed women’s bodies into unnatural forms, some hyper-perfect, others creature-like.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of form

Browse Nearby Words

confiding
configuration
configurations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

Nglish: Translation of configuration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about configuration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of bibelot

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All