formulate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula
-
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing formulate
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Shape Up: Form
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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.
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
"This approach is poised to change the way we formulate vaccines," Mirkin said.
From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026
They would take years to formulate and years longer to impact profits.
From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026
The Supreme Court has also said that it would formulate a national policy around stray dogs after hearing similar cases pending in different states.
From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025
Meanwhile, Seven began to formulate a plan of her own.
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
