formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1

a

: to reduce to or express in a formula

formulate the area of a rectangle

b

: to put into a systematized statement or expression

formulate long-term goals

c

: devise

formulate a policy

formulate a plan

2

a

: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

b

: to prepare according to a formula

formulate the vaccine against malaria

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

Synonyms of formulate

• express
• say
• articulate
• put
• phrase

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery

Recent Examples on the Web

Made with biotin, shea butter, and beeswax, the mascara was formulated to mimic the nourishing, strengthening effects of a lash serum. — Micaela English, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2026

Amid the initial launch of the hydration products, Cooper told PEOPLE exclusively that her team formulated the beverages for consumers on the go given her own busy lifestyle. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

It’s formulated for everything from seasonal dryness and eczema-prone complexions to post-sun skin, helping replenish moisture when your face needs some extra TLC. — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

The aim of this project was to formulate difficult, unsolved math problems and their solutions to test the capabilities of AI. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing formulate

• pre-formulate

Rhymes for formulate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

1

: to express in a formula

2

: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly

formulate a plan

formulation

ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən

noun

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər 

noun