as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
geese flying south in a V-formation
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Recent Examples of formation
Star formation peaked some five billion years later and it's been on a slow decline ever since, according to Bock.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
That’s the incredulous part — teams know the tush push is coming, fans at Lincoln Financial Field go wild when the Eagles line up in TP formation and yet defenses still can’t stop the score.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
The Portuguese’s persistence with his preferred 3-4-3 formation will again be subject to debate after this result, but a more troubling issue can be found in his continued selection of Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as wing-backs.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Dipping the fresh-cut end in rooting hormone may also increase the rate of success, both to stimulate root formation and to discourage stem rot (some products contain a fungicide).
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formation 
Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
That’s the incredulous part — teams know the tush push is coming, fans at Lincoln Financial Field go wild when the Eagles line up in TP formation and yet defenses still can’t stop the score.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
The Portuguese’s persistence with his preferred 3-4-3 formation will again be subject to debate after this result, but a more troubling issue can be found in his continued selection of Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as wing-backs.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Dipping the fresh-cut end in rooting hormone may also increase the rate of success, both to stimulate root formation and to discourage stem rot (some products contain a fungicide).
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formation
Thesaurus Entries Near formation
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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