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

The game has changed a lot since 1845, when the New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club formulated a set of rules for the sport, yet many of the rules and traditions remain. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

And, as expected from Vanicream (which is known for its ultra-gentle formulas), the serum is fragrance-free and formulated without common allergens like dyes and lanolin. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026

It’s formulated to be used in between washes, providing up to 96 hours of hydration, reducing breakage up to 75 percent, and protecting against heat styling up to 450 degrees. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026

The light and airy sunscreen is formulated with La Roche-Posay’s signature Cell-Ox Shield, pairing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filters with an antioxidant complex to shield skin from both sunburn and the free-radical damage that drives premature aging. — Alison Abbey Hudak, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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