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 It's formulated with seven restorative oils that deliver shine, shea butter for deep skin conditioning, and glycerin for hydration that lasts until your next shower. Nikhita Mahtani, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024 With its proprietary blend of natural herbs, this supplement is specially formulated to help improve libido, stamina, and energy levels. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 In formulating its mobilization plans, Ukraine has had to balance military, economic and demographic considerations. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024 Fertilizer Your tiny plants need only a light feeding of a liquid fertilizer formulated specifically for succulents and diluted with water to half the regular strength. Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2024 Instead they’re formulated with expert precision to target a range of skin care concerns—everything from acne to visible signs of aging—using some serious powerhouse active ingredients alongside our old-faithful hyaluronic acid. Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024 In July, during the counter-offensive, he had been ordered to recapture similar terrain elsewhere on the front—and to do so immediately, without conducting proper reconnaissance or formulating a plan. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 In theory, the leaders could use the globes simultaneously to formulate war strategy. Laurie Kellman, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2024 Thankfully, this one is specifically formulated to rinse out cleanly, leaving no residue that can weigh down your hair or clog your follicles, which can ultimately impede hair growth. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near formulate

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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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