formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1

a

: to reduce to or express in a formula

formulate the area of a rectangle

b

: to put into a systematized statement or expression

formulate long-term goals

c

: devise

formulate a policy

formulate a plan

2

a

: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

b

: to prepare according to a formula

formulate the vaccine against malaria

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• articulate
• clothe
• couch
• express
• phrase
• put
• say
• state
• word

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides its claim to last up to 12 hours, the new skin tint is also formulated with skincare ingredients that are said to boost hydration. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 21 Feb. 2025

One of the key challenges, of course, is that formulating a policy around something that is evolving so quickly is incredibly difficult. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

The travel-friendly powder is formulated with gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like rice powder, rice bran water, and ceramide NP. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025

Creativity in the run game is expected to get a big boost with Adams helping to formulate the gameplan. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing formulate

• pre-formulate

Rhymes for formulate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

1

: to express in a formula

2

: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly

formulate a plan

formulation

ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən

noun

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər 

noun