as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
geese flying south in a V-formation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 formation
These climatic shifts allowed the formation of continual landmasses, including one that bridged Anatolia and Europe.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025
In mice, eliminating the Hoxa13 and Hoxd13 genes causes the formation of digits to fail entirely.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
The park combines historic sites and natural beauty, with forests, nature trails, rock formations with lakefront views and more, per the website.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Fathi used a 600 mm telephoto lens to capture exquisite detail on the lunar surface, and 50 mm and 14 mm lenses to image the striking chalk formations of the White Desert.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formation
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025
In mice, eliminating the Hoxa13 and Hoxd13 genes causes the formation of digits to fail entirely.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
The park combines historic sites and natural beauty, with forests, nature trails, rock formations with lakefront views and more, per the website.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Fathi used a 600 mm telephoto lens to capture exquisite detail on the lunar surface, and 50 mm and 14 mm lenses to image the striking chalk formations of the White Desert.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
-
Instead of designing every joint one by one, the engineers can copy layouts from anatomy books, making the whole design process easier.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
-
New hotels come in all shapes and sizes and can feature custom furnishings, open-plan layouts, views that overlook crystal blue water, rooftop infinity pools with panoramic views, culinary artistry and transformative Wellbeing Centers.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement Perhaps Golden Girls’ enduring legacy was its format.—
Time,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share