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

Our resistance was formulated by selecting ingredients from the blend of cultures and histories, and coming up with something new. — Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026

The refreshing under-eye treatments are formulated to smooth, firm, and brighten crow’s feet and dark circles. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

Dishwasher tablets are formulated for dishwashers, which operate differently from washing machines. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2026

Study your pics year-round to formulate patterns with individual bucks or areas. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 4 Nov. 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