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 Moving past basic seven-seater, the N90 offers several configurations that mimic or build upon classic RV design. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 Rather than working with separate vendors for each component, some planners are turning to companies that can coordinate a broader range of operational needs, including planning, configuration, logistics, and onsite support. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Like other Castlery sofas, the Hamilton collection includes a wide variety of configurations at different price points. — Susie Plotkin, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 The existence of unsigned or attacker-controllable firmware and unenforced configuration integrity. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 5 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
  • At the Base of Trees and Shrubs Fences and rock walls aren’t the only structures poison ivy likes to climb.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Giving copper a twist The researchers fabricated electrodes with helical copper structures via electrodeposition using a chiral templating reagent.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Images from China over the years have shown a mockup of the presidential office, other government agencies and street layouts in Taipei built in the Chinese desert and troops attacking it in exercises.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • McCaleb and co-editors Skip Macdonald and Joey Liew, along with Golubić, continued to build sequences from scratch, allowing silence, dialogue, sound design or music to occur naturally depending on the needs of each scene.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Blending documentary and fictional elements, directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw pay homage to the remarkable and charming people whose zest for life shapes and preserves this unique region and its centuries-old culture.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • They were asked to press high, in the first half particularly, leaving a 4-2-4 shape with little midfield cover.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Spain’s defining strength has long been the collective, with individuals thriving within a wider framework rather than carrying the burden alone.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The framework the surgeons built around it required formal disclosure of the atlas's origin to readers, to surgical teams, and to patients, along with bioethicist review and a memorial to the people depicted.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Turnshek’s research as an astronomer has primarily focused on galaxy formation and quasars, the luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Even a brief loss of vision can create serious risks during aerial refueling, low-altitude flight, formation operations, or landing.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • After that, a new interview will be published in online, video and audio formats every 3-4 weeks.
    — From staff reports, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, retailers are closing stores and reconfiguring formats into smaller footprints.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • The agency estimates about 30% of solo car trips each day could be done by walking, carpool or by some form of public transit.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Even when fit, the Swedish striker struggled to hit top form after arriving from Newcastle United for a Premier League-record £130m fee.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 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 13 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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