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.
Indeed, the diverse lush tones joined forces with the suffocating heat of the jungle to disguise an essential monotony, the primary function of which was to drive crazy anyone who might be inclined to formulate an original thought. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 The Rosy Tone Anti-Aging Moisturizer is formulated with the usual suspects given its goals. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026 Alternatively, fireplace glass cleansers formulated to remove creosote (the soot and debris left over from burning wood) are commercially available. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026 By Wednesday, Ravens officials were already formulating plans to line up interviews for Harbaugh’s replacement, who will be just the fourth head coach in the organization’s history. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!