1
as in saying
to convey in appropriate or telling terms
the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in preparing
to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form
a writer planning to formulate a response to what he considered a very unfair review of his work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of formulating
Fortunately, more and more brands are now formulating deodorants without common allergens and irritants.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Scripted by Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie (partners in life and in filmmaking), these words of seduction are music to the ears of a lonely Gravedigger (Glowicki), who has been formulating a perfume to cover up her corpse-like stench.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Being vocally left-leaning thus provides social status benefits and forms of self-congratulation that being conservative doesn't (if anything, in terms of the broader culture and the opinion-formulating institutions, conservatism tends to be rather lonely and something of a social liability).
—Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Smith referenced Chafee’s archives at the University of Arizona ahead of formulating new ideas that maximize space and allow light to filter through.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026
One of my first jobs as an intern in corporate R&D was formulating cost reductions for existing products and later developing cost-effective line extensions building on the brand equity of the original product.
—Jonathan Deutsch, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
With the contract signed and keys in hand, Adler set about doing the work her firm is known for—highlighting classic structural elements, preserving history through painstaking refurbishment, and formulating the perfect mix of modern, bespoke, and antique elements.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
Assists in formulating the branch budget and makes recommendations to the Department of Motor Vehicles chief.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
The school began formulating its response to the crisis in December.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Scripted by Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie (partners in life and in filmmaking), these words of seduction are music to the ears of a lonely Gravedigger (Glowicki), who has been formulating a perfume to cover up her corpse-like stench.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Being vocally left-leaning thus provides social status benefits and forms of self-congratulation that being conservative doesn't (if anything, in terms of the broader culture and the opinion-formulating institutions, conservatism tends to be rather lonely and something of a social liability).
—Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Smith referenced Chafee’s archives at the University of Arizona ahead of formulating new ideas that maximize space and allow light to filter through.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026
One of my first jobs as an intern in corporate R&D was formulating cost reductions for existing products and later developing cost-effective line extensions building on the brand equity of the original product.
—Jonathan Deutsch, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
With the contract signed and keys in hand, Adler set about doing the work her firm is known for—highlighting classic structural elements, preserving history through painstaking refurbishment, and formulating the perfect mix of modern, bespoke, and antique elements.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
Assists in formulating the branch budget and makes recommendations to the Department of Motor Vehicles chief.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
The school began formulating its response to the crisis in December.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formulating
Verb
-
That neighbor also raised concerns about security, saying fewer on-site resources and changes in how calls are handled have left some people feeling uneasy.—
Daniel Wilkerson,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For years, would-be first-time homebuyers have complained about the skimpy inventory of starter homes, saying costly McMansion-style subdivisions are all that’s being built now.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The process involved preparing documents showing proof of employment or family ties that signal an applicant isn’t likely to overstay their visa.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In the face of this uncertainty, companies and other organizations are preparing for a world in which the conflict — and subsequent jolt to crude prices — becomes a long-term challenge, affecting everything from travel planning to mail delivery.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some union leaders for health care workers with Allina released a statement upon the announcement of this deal expressing some concerns.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The shooting unleashed a stream of political reaction, with Republicans quick to blame Pritzker and his fellow Democrats for championing the state’s sanctuary policies, using them as a political cudgel in expressing outrage over Gorman’s killing.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For the film’s score, Hardcastle reached out to Nathan Williams, the main singer-songwriter of the indie rock band Wavves, along with his producer Aaron Rubin, and the two worked on composing a soundtrack filled with stirring strings and harsh metallic screeches.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Musical duo Ajay–Atul are composing the score, while cinematographer Santosh Sivan is handling the visuals.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
But when the lens shifts toward the interior, articulating the woman’s private monologues, the attitude is softer and more generous, even when her words seem steeped in a sense of ongoing dread.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But if the Cowboys don’t find a tango partner, drafting Parker makes some sense.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Some faculty involved in drafting it later distanced themselves from the effort.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The city is putting the North Texas Street business district in the spotlight as other local investments, like building a new recreation center, are underway.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Heat made a third-quarter push to get back into the game, putting together its own impressive shooting display in the period.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Along with valid photo identification, occupants must also provide a statement from a licensed physician stating that a permanent disability severely limits aspects of their daily lives.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Reuters first reported on the breach March 27, stating that a Justice Department official confirmed the breach and said material published online appeared to be authentic.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formulating. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
