1
as in crystallizing
to take on a definite form
my ideas on the subject are just starting to form
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comprising
to be all the substance of
this one sentence really forms the basis of your argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in producing
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials
formed the pot out of the clay
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in starting
to come into existence
the new company formed from two smaller ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in developing
to come to have gradually
I don't want you beginning skiers to form any bad habits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 forming
During a week-long trial, the prosecution showed jurors text messages and other digital evidence that showed Urick and his girlfriend, Tara King, forming a detailed plan to rob and murder Tammy.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
In healthy adipose – or fatty – tissue, sympathetic nerves align closely with blood vessels, forming bundles.
—New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2025
Since forming in 1973, Journey has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, scored 18 top 40 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and earned RIAA diamond certification for its Greatest Hits album.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, another storm forming east of the Philippines is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon by the end of the week.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
But white Cincinnati men were already forming mobs.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Naughton has previously opened up about her tumultuous breakup with 3LW, a pop group that made waves after rising to fame after forming in 1999.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Christmas cacti often need more water when their flower buds are forming, though overwatering them may lead to root rot and other issues.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025
Two seasons ago, the Clippers acquired then-10-time All-Star James Harden in a blockbuster trade, squeezing him into a lineup that had perennial All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, forming what many believed would be the next super team.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forming
Verb
-
Sea water flows into the small crystallizing ponds (salt beds) and the quantity of water is controlled by gravity and slate gates.—
-
In this one crystallizing moment, the woman’s yearning, desire that has been discreetly waiting in the background, rushes into view.—
Verb
-
House and Senate appropriators released a nearly $180 billion package comprising three funding bills on Monday, slimming Congress‘s chances of entering another government shutdown.—
-
The West Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association is one of the groups comprising the Neighborhoods of East Fort Worth Alliance.—
Verb
-
Achane handled 12 first half carries, producing 64 rushing yards.—
-
Idemitsu is constructing a large-scale facility capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulfide annually, with a target of mass production by 2027.—
Verb
-
So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.—
-
Place water and rum in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH until starting to bubble, about 1 minute.—
Verb
-
Sensory design has played an enormous role in developing this new identity for the bathroom, and the 2026 NKBA Bath Trends Report shows that numerous sensory trends are expected to continue gaining mainstream traction.—
-
While developing a proposal for Arrowhead, LeVota said, the county plans to reach out to business district leaders and business owners near the stadium, along with potential outside entities with development expertise.—
Verb
-
The neighborhood/area The hotel has a plum position on the Eendrachtsplein, a buzzy town square in the heart of the city with trams, buses, and a metro line connecting it to all corners of town.—
-
The film stars Sally Field as a widow who bonds with a giant Pacific octopus, while also connecting with a young man (Lewis Pullman) in need of direction.—
Verb
-
As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
-
Azar says the whole process only takes her 10 minutes, from searching for the email, composing it, to hitting send.—
Verb
-
The prosecutor’s spokesperson said Yeo was making excuses that did not make sense about the notes discovered on his mobile phone.—
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
Cite this Entry
“Forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forming. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share