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.

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formulate British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

2. to devise

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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

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.

Example Sentences

Alex’s reporting focuses in particular on the inner workings of the National Security Council and how top players in an administration formulate and execute foreign policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 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

On an early July morning, camera lights, additional racks of designer clothing and a team of creatives squeezed into the organized but cluttered space to formulate Barnett’s own moment of glamour.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2025

I don't need to formulate a workable theory.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Related Words

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