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formulate

verb

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
Definition of formulatenext
1
as in to express
to convey in appropriate or telling terms the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to prepare
to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form a writer planning to formulate a response to what he considered a very unfair review of his work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 formulate There are so many cosmetic ingredients out there, and so many brands formulating with them, but no definitive study that weighs the risks and benefits of every single ingredient. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026 The polish is 21-free, meaning it’s formulated without ingredients like phthalates, parabens, silicones, and gluten, in addition to being cruelty-free and vegan. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026 Backed by thousands of five-star ratings, the cream is formulated with collagen, retinol, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid to help improve overall skin tone, promote elasticity, moisturize, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026 The brand says lashes can become thinner, shorter, straighter and more fragile over time, yet mascara has traditionally been formulated around the immediate effects of color, volume, length and definition. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formulate
  1. express
  2. prepare
  3. say
  4. compose
  5. articulate
  6. draft
  7. put
  8. write
Verb
  • The statement said el-Sisi expressed support for a deal to resolve the Iranian crisis and ensure the freedom of shipping navigation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Paxton had argued that the law-school clinic was not a classroom but a workplace, and that Fisher was punished not for expressing political views but because her cursing and volume had disrupted clinic business.
    — Benjamin Wofford, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • Stanford professor Matt Abrahams and Zapier CEO Wade Foster discuss how leaders are using AI to synthesize information, structure ideas, prepare for difficult conversations, and rehearse for high-stakes moments.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The company must now complete its interior systems, install and commission specialized production equipment and prepare the facility for commercial operations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • With all that said, there are still a lot of pleasures in this production that remain failsafe, even after the ride toward a way-too-inevitable outcome is firmly on its tracks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • On the living-room table was a giant bowl filled with cigarette butts, which Beck said was for an art project.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of say
Verb
  • Eichler’s micro-neighborhood, spread over a high ridge near the geographic center of the city and overlooking Glen Canyon Park, is mostly composed of compact lots along curving streets.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The untitled exhibition is composed entirely of aluminum sculptures, most of which are propped against the wall of one windowless room.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of compose
Verb
  • Can a president articulate a vision for the country to people who are not likely to vote for her?
    — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Her bulging eyes, her piercing shrieks, her casual yet immaculately articulate cruelty all come together to form a cartoonish villain who’s also a commanding delight.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of articulate
Verb
  • Kingsolver came into the world in 1955 in Annapolis, Maryland, where her father, Wendell, was stationed after being drafted into the Navy, and where her mother, Virginia, suffered from what was likely postpartum depression.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson have endured a 23-46 record since the Jets drafted them in 2022.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of draft
Verb
  • Holmes also committed a throwing error in the sixth on a pickoff move in an overall disastrous three-run inning that put the Reds ahead for good.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ offense kept on chugging early in the second quarter, and Mensah found a wide-open Elija Lofton for a 21-yard score to put UM back in the lead.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • The album features 15 tracks, of which 13 are original tunes co-written by Munsick, heavily bent toward the American West and its native culture.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Feldstein was their foot soldier, working to get news stories written and noticed.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of write

Browse Nearby Words

formulas
formulate
formulated
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Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formulate. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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