formulate
verb (used with object)
to express in precise form; state definitely or systematically.
was formulating
-
past progressiveof formulate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Rogers told a few close associates he was formulating a contingency plan in which she would leave later this year, The Wall Street Journal reported last month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 6, 2026
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Moscow was "formulating its position" and declined to comment on the specifics of the latest plan.
From Barron's ● Dec. 24, 2025
Rivera’s stepdaughter first told him about Giusti’s interest in school food service; she was working at Noma when the chef de cuisine was formulating his exit strategy.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 12, 2016
His friend Sir Isaac Newton was formulating his laws of gravity and motion as Halley made calculations that showed that rather than appearing from nowhere, these objects follow a predictable path around the Solar System.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2014
McCandless and Davis were still straining their eyes for details of the alien ship by the time the Captain had glanced away and was formulating policy.
From Decision by H. R. Smith
