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 Sherwin-Williams site in Rochester formulates coatings that are transported by truck to distributors and blending facilities. —Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

In a live interview with CNN outside the White House,Wright struggled to formulate an answer when asked about the chances of a large oil spike, which would send average American gasoline prices shooting up to near $6 a gallon. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026

The luxury lip balm is formulated to provide long-lasting moisturization for instant relief and lips that stay soft and hydrated all day long. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

Coconut milk is not formulated to provide the type of nutritional support necessary to restore lost hydration. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 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
• 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