as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
geese flying south in a V-formation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 formation
Policies that restrict their access to financing can have significant negative impacts on business formation and employment growth.
—
Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
Only days after announcing the formation of the Rockefeller Commission in January 1975, Ford accidentally shared at an off-the-record lunch with executives and editors from The New York Times that his concern about abuses involved assassinations.
—Tim Naftali, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Essentially, the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as a threat and triggers the activation of immune cells under the skin, which leads to the formation of hives.526
The result is a constant state of alert, where your body keeps producing new hives.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 13 Feb. 2026
In addition, the program includes a Warbirds fly-by (with missing man formation).
—Holly Andres, Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
Only days after announcing the formation of the Rockefeller Commission in January 1975, Ford accidentally shared at an off-the-record lunch with executives and editors from The New York Times that his concern about abuses involved assassinations.
—Tim Naftali, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Essentially, the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as a threat and triggers the activation of immune cells under the skin, which leads to the formation of hives.526
The result is a constant state of alert, where your body keeps producing new hives.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 13 Feb. 2026
In addition, the program includes a Warbirds fly-by (with missing man formation).
—Holly Andres, Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
-
The layout telegraphs multigenerational and flexible living.—
David Caraccio
March 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But Berger knows danger lurks throughout Bay Hill’s 7,466-yard layout, which ranked as the fifth-toughest course in 2025 among the PGA Tour’s annual stops.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Trump routinely holds marathon press conferences at the White House and on the road, both in stand-alone formats or pegged onto the back-end of other public appearances.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Under his leadership, FCS will look to produce formats and franchises across linear, streaming and digital platforms.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
