as in imitative
using or marked by the use of something else as a basis or model
she thought the plots of most action movies were pretty formulaic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 formulaic
It's often noted that generative AI writing style can come across as very bland and formulaic.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Nevertheless, the actress recognized that Twin Peaks was a far cry from the formulaic television of the past.
—EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Sure, there’s a reasonable and informed argument to be made that its big-budget excess, rampant commercialism, and formulaic checkbox-checking exemplify everything wrong with the AAA gaming industry right now.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Throughout this stretch, the Red Sox have almost become formulaic.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formulaic
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Nevertheless, the actress recognized that Twin Peaks was a far cry from the formulaic television of the past.
—EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Sure, there’s a reasonable and informed argument to be made that its big-budget excess, rampant commercialism, and formulaic checkbox-checking exemplify everything wrong with the AAA gaming industry right now.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Throughout this stretch, the Red Sox have almost become formulaic.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formulaic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formulaic
Adjective
-
Explaining Traditions - Folk Behavior In Modern Culture By Simon J. Bronner This kind of imitative play—not just Cooties but also House or Cops and Robbers—helps children make sense of the world.—
Bruce Handy,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
-
The social self is avoidance-based, conforming, imitative, predictable, planned, and hardworking.—
Ellen Choi,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
These stories are shockingly unoriginal, both in the real world and in films and television.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Using Trite Business Jargon Nothing screams unoriginal like a LinkedIn profile filled with corporate buzzwords.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formulaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formulaic. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share