formulate

1 of 2

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

formulator

2 of 2

noun

for·​mu·​la·​tor -ˌlātə(r) 

-ātə-

plural -s

: one that formulates

especially : a developer of commercial and industrial formulas

Synonyms of formulate

Verb

• express
• say
• articulate
• put
• phrase

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

In formulating their analysis, Hutchinson and Sport looked at historical data to help inform their view. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Miller is the least predictable variable in the complicated equation of formulating the Bulls’ new future. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Dishwasher tablets are formulated with powerful cleaning agents designed to get rid of grease and stubborn food residue, and those same products can also break down laundry detergent buildup and grime. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026

This year’s vaccine is formulated to protect against the three influenza variants the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect to be ascendant in the months ahead. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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