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formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
Synonyms of formulatenext

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, accuses Perplexity of unlawfully scraping The Times’ stories, videos, podcasts and other content to formulate responses to user queries. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025 That said, a move before the early February deadline remains a possibility, and NBA insiders are doing the work of consolidating several candidates' assets on paper and formulating likely packages coming the Bucks' way. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Edward Jenner was able to formulate a makeshift smallpox vaccine all the way back in 1798, but even back then, people weren’t very normal about it. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025 The Aestura AtoBarrier365 Mini Hydrating Best Sellers Kit includes the brand’s foaming cleanser, serum, and fan-favorite cream—all formulated to soothe, strengthen, and seriously hydrate without overwhelming delicate skin. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formulate

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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