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 The engine—which features four banks of four cylinders in a W configuration—has powered every single one of the brand’s vehicles since it was taken over by the Volkswagen Group in 1998. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 July 2026 Six of the 20 satellites also have cameras on board to scan Starship’s heat shield, which continues to be modified for the rocket’s ultimate operational configuration. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2026 Though sectionals in all their long configurations can feel counterintuitive for small spaces, designer Ashley Darryl says the opposite is often true. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 In this landscape, valleys are where the system settles into comfortable, low-energy configurations, while peaks are high-energy configurations that are relatively unstable. — Quanta Magazine, 15 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
  • Atsushi Matono is responsible for erecting the shingi, a sacred tree placed at the top of one of the floats —the holiest part of the structure, to which a deity is believed to descend.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • So even if your soil is loaded with calcium, and your garden is irrigated, plants may not able to transport enough calcium from the soil water into their internal structures.
    — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • The demonstration was held on July 15 at Liuxing Street in Yining City, a national-level tourism and leisure district known for its distinctive hexagonal street layout.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
  • Although factors like insulation, ductwork, and proper equipment sizing are most important for cooling a home efficiently, the layout of your home can have a significant impact on how hard your air conditioning system needs to work.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 17 July 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • The engines on this Starship and Super Heavy come from SpaceX’s third-generation Raptor design.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • The control platform will also provide a common automation architecture across reactor systems, allowing engineers to collect operational data, refine system performance and validate design changes during testing.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Also, the texture, shapes and colors of the candy make for a fun experience to sample, pick and mix up your own bag.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Settings shape decisions, reveal hidden truths, and, at times, determine fate itself.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 July 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • According to Ding Yunfan, vice president of AI framework architecture at Biren, improvements in the performance of a single graphics processing unit (GPU) are no longer enough to meet these demands.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • His political project requires weakening the international institutions—the UN, EU regulatory bodies, multilateral climate frameworks—that his theology now identifies as potential instruments of the Antichrist’s rule.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Various research groups began publishing papers linking mitochondrial biology to everything from memory formation and depression to Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
    — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
  • That sentiment, a circle of solidarity, is meant to be echoed in the formation of the samurai commanders.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • An increasing number of users around the world are also opting for their models’ open-source format and lower operating costs relative to Silicon Valley’s offerings.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • With the rise in second-screen watching and secondary content — such as reactions, predictions, commentary, and styling formats — before and after the matches, the opportunity for brands has been enormous.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • By applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, reapplying throughout the day and pairing it with other forms of sun protection, Mercer said people can reduce their risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • However, the siblings weren’t necessarily always in top form.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 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 23 Jul. 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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