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

• 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

Some Republicans say there’s still plenty of time to formulate new strategies and adjust to the changes, since most of the new Medicaid provisions don’t go into effect until January 2027. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025

The security guarantee plans that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was charged with formulating for Ukraine – plans only needed if there is an enduring peace – remain opaque. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

Instead, use a hard-surface bathroom disinfectant formulated without bleach. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025

It’s formulated with benzoyl peroxide and boasts antimicrobial properties that clear zits and prevent future breakouts. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025

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
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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