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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
a small business computer system in its simplest configuration
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
a birthday cake in the configuration of a top hat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The Infrastructure Unlocking the Bundling Economy Enter MarketONE, Amdocs’ distribution-native platform that has quietly become the infrastructure layer powering thousands of bundle configurations across global operators.
—
Maria Williams, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
The suit also alleges that parents raised concerns about the configuration of the school’s parking lot during pickup times, and that school employees who were usually present to help direct traffic in the parking lot were not there on June 4.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Instead, the document is tightly tethered to the Rose Bowl, UCLA’s current home venue, with extensive detail devoted to the specific ticket inventory and revenue assumptions tied to the stadium’s current layout and its new configuration once pending renovations are complete.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Dec. 2025
The rocket's first-stage hybrid engine burns paraffin and liquid oxygen while the upper stage uses methane and liquid oxygen or paraffin and liquid oxygen, depending on its configuration.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for configuration
Maria Williams, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
The suit also alleges that parents raised concerns about the configuration of the school’s parking lot during pickup times, and that school employees who were usually present to help direct traffic in the parking lot were not there on June 4.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Instead, the document is tightly tethered to the Rose Bowl, UCLA’s current home venue, with extensive detail devoted to the specific ticket inventory and revenue assumptions tied to the stadium’s current layout and its new configuration once pending renovations are complete.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Dec. 2025
The rocket's first-stage hybrid engine burns paraffin and liquid oxygen while the upper stage uses methane and liquid oxygen or paraffin and liquid oxygen, depending on its configuration.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
Noun
-
Their streamlined structure transitions effortlessly from day excursions to evening dinners, keeping packing minimal and chic.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Samsung addressed these issues early in development by redesigning the sensor structure.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Professor Alan Woodward, a security expert at the University of Surrey, highlighted the technical feasibility of espionage given the physical layout, The Telegraph reported.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
In architecture lingo, Rudolph thought intensely in terms of section — about vertical space — over plan or what is a traditional layout.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The runner offers a neutral design with texture and fluff that gives your feet something comfy to sink into.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Ross is considered one of the most important figures in golf, and the club is frequently praised for staying true to his traditional design style.—
Chase Jordan
January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For a similar pair without the sticker shock, these $16 sunnies sport a similar shape.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
-
On a recent afternoon, after days of sun and above freezing temps, the skating path looked a bit slushy, but Hudella offered assurance that with the thermometer dropping to near zero in the coming forecast, the ice would be in good shape by the time the gates opened for real.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Brussels has already begun testing the framework.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The new law relaxed aspects of the 2017 framework, removing much of municipalities’ ability to regulate AVs within city or county limits.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Yui and Platanov spent time on final science experiments of their mission, including one by Platanov studying how the inner lining of blood vessels work to keep blood flowing in space, in order to avoid the formation of blood clots.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The context around the very formation of their loose partnership in Liverpool’s attack, however, inspired potential friction.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The format of the episode essentially pairs everyone off into five groups of two.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
-
For investors, the adaptability of warehouse formats supports multi-jurisdiction deployment, making the Panattoni model highly scalable.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The final slide of her carousel featured a video of her trying her hand at Muay Thai, a form of Thai boxing.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Freezing fog makes driving, boating, flying, and other forms of transportation particularly hazardous.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
