Synonyms

formulate

American

[fawr-myuh-leyt] / ˈfɔr myəˌleɪt /

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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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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.

Formulate a series of plans for what to do when obstacles present themselves.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2020

Formulate your questions in a way that doesn’t sound aggressive: “What do you mean by that?” can sound attacking, while “Explain to me what’s behind that” sounds encouraging.

From The Guardian • Nov. 25, 2016

Formulate and stamp indelibly in your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2016

Formulate a list of pros and cons of such suits.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Formulate a statement as to why the "spirit" of the school is all-important.

From The Mind and Its Education by Betts, George Herbert

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