configuration

noun

kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
Definition of configurationnext
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
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance a birthday cake in the configuration of a top hat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But others support the changes, saying the more car-centric configuration discourages pedestrians and cyclists while making traffic more dangerous. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 For an outdoorsy or hunting recipient, Bob Vila notes a three-zone configuration in the Colorado Men’s Heated Hunting Vest from Gobi Heat. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Which would mean a smaller playoff again, a far more popular configuration with fans anyway, and the potential for even more media revenue thanks to higher-profile matchups. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Woot also has the Magic Keyboard in black for the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4 and M5 editions) and the 13-inch Pro supporting the same configurations. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
  1. structure
  2. layout
  3. design
  4. shape
  5. framework
  6. formation
  7. format
  8. form
Noun
  • FinFET transistors FinFETs are transistors with narrow silicon channels shaped like upright fins rather than flat structures.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • In other cases the cells may be cultivated in a bioreactor, in which they are suspended and kept in motion; constant spinning encourages the cells to self-organize into multilayered, three-dimensional structures.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Outlooks and layouts vary but most rooms come with ravishing views of the Bosphorus; a few have terraces or gardens, while the split-level 5920-square-foot Peninsula Suite has a private rooftop terrace, outdoor swimming pool, gym, and hammam.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Both models include an interior kitchen block behind the driver's seat and a four-sleeper pop-up layout.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • That timeline reflects a development process built around rapid design iterations and in-house manufacturing capabilities.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Also new are the 17- to 19-in alloy wheel designs and the power-latching sliding doors and tailgate.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Furthermore, custom rigid shapes for every new material are expensive, fragile, and difficult to scale.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Many were marginal structures, long abandoned and often in questionable shape, whose conventional market value was close to nothing.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The parties agreed to a framework for an agreement in May that required everyone who filed a claim to sign off.
    — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Models reveal substantially higher PFAS estimates To investigate the missing concentrations, the researchers developed a statistical framework that accounts for results below laboratory reporting limits.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • The existing record for the discipline, Rutz said, was a 12-way formation.
    — Iris Kwok Follow Nov. 6, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • These mice have some of the same features of brain damage that Alzheimer’s patients do, most notably the formation of tangled proteins and debris in the brain and progressively deteriorating performance on cognitive tasks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • One tier down from Dithaba (both fiscally and geographically), Kapano is a few minutes’ walk down a dusty hill and follows a similar format, with four generous-sized rooms veering off the communal pool, bar, and alfresco deck dining area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The format allows for spontaneous collaborations, with musicians building on one another’s ideas rather than following a predetermined concert program.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • Former foes resurface to settle scores and fresh allegiances form, leaving him to act on his own to shield his family and bring things back under control.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Its most critical budget item is a donation in the form of space and services from Orange County government valued at about $11,000.
    — Beth Kassab, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of form

Browse Nearby Words

confiding
configuration
configurations
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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about configuration

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