reformulate

American  

[ree-fawr-myuh-leyt] / riˈfɔr mjəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

reformulated, reformulating

1. to formulate again.

2. to formulate in a different way; alter or revise.

   to reformulate our plans.

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reformulate British  

/ riːˈfɔːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to change or update (an idea, plan, etc, already formulated)

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Other Word Forms

• reformulation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reformulate

First recorded in 1880–85; re- + formulate

Explanation

To reformulate is to rework or improve an original plan. If your bottle rocket goes off course, crashing into your kitchen window, you will want to reformulate the flight plans before you launch it again. Fortunately for English speakers, there are a lot of linguistic opportunities for second chances! Reformulate is one of those words that give you a chance to improve upon a first try. Words in this “do-over” family include revise, rework, and redevelop; notice the re in all of these words, from the Latin “again” or “back.” Reformulate is usually used for a formula, theory, or plan.

Example Sentences

The retailer said Friday it has worked closely with national brands and owned-brand partners to reformulate products where necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

They are trying to reformulate their products by doing things like adding more protein and taking out artificial colors and sweeteners.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

Food and drug manufacturers who use Red No. 3 in their products will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2025

Food manufacturers using red No 3 will have until January 2027 to reformulate their products, while drug manufacturers will have an extra year - until January 2028 - to adjust.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2025

By then it will be too late to reformulate the statistics.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan