1
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome

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2
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized a small business computer system in its simplest configuration

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3
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged his photographs have an intentionally loose configuration, with no single object intended as the primary center of interest

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4

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of configuration Their use and configuration vary by industry, Robert Tas, a partner at McKinsey & Company, told me. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 While not considered best practice in the industry, such a configuration is a pragmatic starting point for getting an AI agent up and running quickly. Keivan Navaie, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2025 Falcon’s Talon mid-tower can be tailored for high-performance gaming with the latest AMD or Intel silicon, scaled up to a high-end desktop (HEDT) configuration using AMD Ryzen Threadripper, or loaded out as a true workstation powered by Threadripper Pro, as reviewed here. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 These wavelengths allow astronomers to study regions where young stars are shrouded by dust or where galaxies lie so far away that their light has stretched and cooled during its journey across space and time. ALMA's antenna's are spread out across the desert plateau in various configurations. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
Noun
  • There were five more minutes left to play — in Emery’s view, sufficient time to attack with greater structure, moving slowly with numbers upfield.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the discovery of nuclear fission by Otto Hahn in December 1938 and significant achievements of other German physicists and chemists in research on the structure of the atom, the Nazis were not rushing to put that research to use.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The company’s responsibilities will include developing site layout plans, reviewing cooling system methods, and preparing budget and process calculations.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Exterior deck areas are plentiful, from the upper aft deck for alfresco dining, to the lower-deck beach club which has a gym instead of the sauna and shower on the typical layout.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Prison guards have struggled to stay safe in the facility due to its outdated design.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The front wheel drive (FWD) layout is a key design feature, contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency, size and usability.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To combat this, a 4-2-3-1 can be morphed into multiple defensive shapes depending on the head coach’s preference.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Plenty of Mustangs over the years have bolstered that shape with big wings on the rear, but none have received the kind of aerodynamic augmentation seen on the GTD.
    Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These measurements confirmed that the metals were not forming nanoparticles but were dispersed as single atoms, chemically bound within the carbon framework in the favourable coordination environment — the secret sauce to their exceptional performance, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism will soon convene a process to build the vision and framework for a citywide circular system.
    Todd Lefko, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 4-2-3-1 formation has been one of the most prominent systems used across Europe since the turn of the century, adopted by some of the best tacticians in modern football.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Badlands, North Dakota North Dakota’s Badlands is known for its rugged landscape, including sweeping hills, prairie grasses, canyons and rock formations, as well as native wildlife.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her video featured her usual format of showing herself making an iced coffee before pausing to speak to the camera.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Sony will have the majority of Imax and premium large-format screens for the release.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pennywise — the iconic, malevolent shapeshifting entity that often takes the form of a dancing clown and was first introduced in Stephen King's 1986 novel It — suddenly and mysteriously appeared on five different continents on Tuesday.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • One issue is that hypnosis has long been viewed as a form of entertainment, a stage show with a hypnotist and an audience, which can give viewers a sense that hypnosis is something done to you rather than a process that a person is led through.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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