formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce to or express in a formula
formulate the area of a rectangle
b
: to put into a systematized statement or expression
formulate long-term goals
c
: devise
formulate a policy
formulate a plan
2
a
: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures
b
: to prepare according to a formula
formulate the vaccine against malaria
formulator noun

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Plus, compared to commercial glass cleaners that are formulated with harsh chemicals, vinegar is a great natural, non-toxic alternative that only needs to be combined with water. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025 The lineup includes the Mānuka Cleanser, $58; Mānuka Cream, $88; Mānuka Essence, $110; Mānuka Mask, $76, and Mānuka Salve, $68, which is formulated for concentrated areas of irritation such as acne or dry patches. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 With a lack of data certainty, though, formulating policy will be difficult. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 Each brand takes a different approach, formulating with specific skin types and concerns in mind. Elizabeth Denton, StyleCaster, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formulate

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
1
: to express in a formula
2
: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly
formulate a plan
formulation
ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən
noun
formulator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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