formulate

American  

[fawr-myuh-leyt] / ˈfɔr myəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

formulated, formulating

1. to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically.

   He finds it extremely difficult to formulate his new theory.

   Synonyms:

   specify, define, compose, frame, articulate

2. to devise or develop, as a method, system, etc.

3. to reduce to or express in a formula.

---

formulate British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula

2. to devise

---

Other Word Forms

• formulable adjective
• formulation noun
• formulator noun
• nonformulation noun
• preformulate verb (used with object)
• preformulation noun
• unformulated adjective
• well-formulated adjective

Etymology

Origin of formulate

First recorded in 1855–60; formul(a) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors stepped in and directed staff to formulate a plan to speed up payments.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

"Computational models, like ours, can be used to formulate new hypotheses about real biological populations," she says.

From Science Daily • Dec. 30, 2025

"We've got a little bit of that early rehab to go through to formulate where he may plug into the series, but we expect him to take some part in the series."

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

He advises patients to formulate clear questions, provide all the relevant context about their conditions and request different possible diagnoses rather than a single answer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

“I suggest you take this time to formulate a strategy. We may not be Erudite, but mental preparedness is one aspect of your Dauntless training. Arguably, it is the most important aspect.”

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• codify
• define
• develop
• devise
• draft
• draw up
• forge
• map
• prepare
• work out