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

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 As the mixture cools, the lowest energy configuration appears, providing an answer to the problem. — Mike McRae 22, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026 As for the cabin configuration, it’s been reenvisioned to showcase Bentley’s stylistic progression. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026 Until a particle is observed, all of its possible configurations effectively exist at once. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026 The timber course uses a figure-eight configuration that carries horses away from the main oval before bringing them back toward the same home stretch. — Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
Noun
  • Future uses for the approach include any number of stronger, lighter structures and materials needing protection from vibration and shaking.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
  • One scenario making the rounds has Cheeks potentially overseeing all of the vast TV holdings of the combined company, but so far, there’s no firm confirmation and a final structure isn’t expected to be announced until next week.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Drivers knew the back entrances, the factory layouts, and the best path to the boss of a mom-and-pop workshop.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Independent has become known for its distinctive layout, which emphasized flow over the boxy booths that typify these commercial trade shows.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The bones are there (floors, square footage, no heinous design details).
    — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The proposition is to connect China’s factories with its creator economy; Black Lake’s agents bridge the gap by converting ideas into designs, a 3D simulation, and industrial data sent to a factory.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • While moving, the cord returns to its original shape, ready to power its next leap so long as the infrared light is still shining.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The look was elevated by Le Silla’s recognizable stiletto heel shape which flares ever so slightly.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The executive order bans online betting operations in Brazil, less than two years after the government kicked off a legal framework allowing the industry to operate.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The project relies on a novel commercial framework to shield standard consumers from financial risk.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Jones said the team believes its drilling results raise questions about some previous explanations of the site as a natural rock formation.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the debris swirling in the rotating disk is a remnant from planetary formation.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • My genome file is more than a decade old, was generated using an earlier version of the human reference genome, and lacks information available in newer sequencing formats.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The league switched back to the traditional 18-game format for 2025-26 and 2026-27.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But what chance would American soldiers have against a country whose military doctrine has already imagined active resistance in populated areas, backed by citizens who could potentially provide intelligence, surveillance and other forms of support?
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The auction house endorsed the new asset form, and the asset’s price, in turn, made the institution appear responsive to an emergent cultural power.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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