Synonyms

formulate

American

[fawr-myuh-leyt] / ˈfɔr mjəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

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
to devise or develop, as a method, system, etc.
to reduce to or express in a formula.

formulate British

/ ˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of formulate

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

Explanation

To formulate is to come up with a plan. If you are locked out of your house, you'll need to formulate a plan to get back inside — preferably one that doesn't involve kicking in the door. You can also use the verb formulate to mean "put into words." If too many people are showing up at your work in inappropriate clothes, your company may formulate a dress code policy. They may, for example, decree that shoes must be worn at all times. The verb can also mean "to develop a formula for something." If the dog ate the chicken you were going to use in your dinner, you may need to formulate a new recipe for chicken-less pot pie.

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Vocabulary lists containing formulate

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the offer enables us to formulate a possible structure: that of an unequal relationship between two human worlds, perhaps even a durable social asymmetry between the Neanderthal and Sapiens groups.

From Science Daily • Jul. 7, 2026

McLuhan’s theories about how different forms of media evolve almost help him formulate what would become “Saturday Night Live” many years earlier.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

The new Zhenwu M890 chip "provides a reliable option that is insulated from fluctuations in export controls, enabling domestic AI companies to formulate long-term technology roadmaps," said eetrend.com's Zhang.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Florida counties generally formulate the assessed value using a percentage of the home’s sales price, he explained.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

I don't need to formulate a workable theory.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023