as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
geese flying south in a V-formation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formation
The site has attracted attention among geologists for decades because of its layered mineral formation.
—
Matt Emma, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
To arrive at the molecule that could help, the researchers first studied the formation of the perovskite layer during the tandem solar cell manufacturing process.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, on grander scales, older stars across the Universe run out of fuel and die, new episodes of star-formation are triggered, and the Universe continues to expand, driving individual galaxies, groups of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies mutually apart, faster and faster, as time goes on.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The Jets will shift from a 4-3 base to multiple defensive formations that incorporate both 3-4 and 4-3 elements.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Matt Emma, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
To arrive at the molecule that could help, the researchers first studied the formation of the perovskite layer during the tandem solar cell manufacturing process.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, on grander scales, older stars across the Universe run out of fuel and die, new episodes of star-formation are triggered, and the Universe continues to expand, driving individual galaxies, groups of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies mutually apart, faster and faster, as time goes on.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The Jets will shift from a 4-3 base to multiple defensive formations that incorporate both 3-4 and 4-3 elements.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
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An open-plan layout invites easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining throughout the home, which boasts mountain and ocean views.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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These renovations would update electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems; change classroom layouts; and increase accessibility at Fairmount, Procter and Korte elementaries.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Division 1 again will be an eight-team division using a pool-play format; the other eight divisions will use traditional brackets.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
31 Mar. 2026
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The platform supports conversion between PDFs and formats such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, and HTML, while maintaining original formatting.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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