Definition of formationnext
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized geese flying south in a V-formation

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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 This is a huge region of star formation about 1,300 light years away on average. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Rather than replacing the island’s aging pipe system, the approach would largely rely on the existing drainage network to collect rainwater and funnel it into wells, where it would be injected below the surface into porous rock formations. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 And residents say the frequency of towing has picked up even more in recent months after the owner, Capital Realty Group, became more aggressive in response to the formation of a tenants union. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 Yes, youth unemployment has fallen and new business formation is at historic highs. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formation
Noun
  • Released in the early ‘90s, the double-sided wristwatch shows a conventional chronograph layout with three registers on one side and an oversized, one-minute, multimeter scale on the other.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The collaboration will combine creative vision with access to capital and a long-term strategy for building cinematic worlds that extend across formats and audiences.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Skeptics point out oral exams can be unsettling for students who are shy or have serious anxiety, but clarifying the format ahead of time and starting with softball questions can help, says Carolyn Aslan, who leads Cornell’s oral exam training.
    Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

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“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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