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
This can clear out regions, stopping new stars from forming, or sometimes compress gas, triggering a burst of star formation.
—
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Sedona also has a plethora of hiking trails with unbelievable views of red rock formations.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Publics are made and maintained, not discovered preformed, like rock formations.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
This amount of hydrogen in the core could only have arisen during the initial formation of Earth, says Schlichting, who adds that work from her group and others is now pointing to that same conclusion.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Sedona also has a plethora of hiking trails with unbelievable views of red rock formations.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Publics are made and maintained, not discovered preformed, like rock formations.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
This amount of hydrogen in the core could only have arisen during the initial formation of Earth, says Schlichting, who adds that work from her group and others is now pointing to that same conclusion.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
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Looking to the Future Multigenerational living shaped the home’s layout from the beginning.—
Mina Loudermilk,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
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Once there, Sarah Kim uses her knowledge of the store’s layout from her time working there as Mok Ga-hui to dispose of Mi-jeong.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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According to Crystal Hefner, the photos in the diaries were private images, never intended for publication in Playboy or in any other format.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The late-night scene was already in upheaval after CBS abruptly canceled Stephen Colbert’s show that summer, a move that sent shockwaves through the industry and fueled speculation about the future of the long-standing comedy format.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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