as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
geese flying south in a V-formation
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Recent Examples of formation
Whereas cereal-grain agriculture reliably predicted early state formation and taxation, intensive agricultural practices were just as likely to be the result of state formation as to be the cause.
—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Its financing has come into question after Congress last year revoked $151 million in federal funding, but project leaders say the board’s formation is a critical step to bringing the Stitch to life.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
These criteria are mostly concerned with avoiding the formation of molecular hydrogen, which can efficiently cool the gas at high redshift, favoring the formation of smaller stars.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Cork & Barrel was the brainchild of Jonathon Kudla and Samuel Darlington, who played instrumental roles in the formation, construction and management of the company.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Its financing has come into question after Congress last year revoked $151 million in federal funding, but project leaders say the board’s formation is a critical step to bringing the Stitch to life.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
These criteria are mostly concerned with avoiding the formation of molecular hydrogen, which can efficiently cool the gas at high redshift, favoring the formation of smaller stars.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Cork & Barrel was the brainchild of Jonathon Kudla and Samuel Darlington, who played instrumental roles in the formation, construction and management of the company.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
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As radical as the AMR26 car may appear, especially when looking at the design of the sidepods, engine cover, and suspension layout compared to the rest of the grid, the fact that the team could only manage one full day of running on Friday is hardly an encouraging sign going into the new season.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Each guest room and suite has a unique layout and design, as is the case when transforming a historic and protected building into a hotel.—
Gisela Williams,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Consider Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast, which began in 2006, developing its current long-form, immersive format that explores major historical topics with a punk sensibility.—
Frank Racioppi,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Cameron’s focus has been on reality series and dating formats.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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