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
On March 8, 1857, garment workers went on strike in New York City leading to the formation of the first women’s union.
—
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
This migration pattern helps explain why the fossil record in formations like the Chiting deposit is so rich with large species that seem out of place in Taiwan’s current landscape.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
The 2023 El Niño wind shear was countered by extremely high sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic Basin, which fueled storm formation.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Now, five decades after the formation of Heart, Wilson is sharing her story.
—Annie Harrigan, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
This migration pattern helps explain why the fossil record in formations like the Chiting deposit is so rich with large species that seem out of place in Taiwan’s current landscape.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
The 2023 El Niño wind shear was countered by extremely high sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic Basin, which fueled storm formation.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Now, five decades after the formation of Heart, Wilson is sharing her story.
—Annie Harrigan, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
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Lynch allegedly told the individual how to get into the house and provided detailed information about its appearance, layout and items inside the home.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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With its elegant styling, comfortable three-row layout and strong hybrid powertrain, the TX stands as a polished new flagship in Lexus’ SUV lineup.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After the field is narrowed down to the top 16 vote-getters, the competition switches into the format used in the NCAA basketball tournaments.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
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Configured as a 10-episode run at 45 minutes per episode, the project is the first in a wave of international remakes Nippon TV has lined up for the format.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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