What does "formulary" mean?
A list of formulas; a collection of set forms to be followed, especially in religious belief.
Formulary
/ˈfɔː(ɹ)mjʊləɹi/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A list of formulas; a collection of set forms to be followed, especially in religious belief.
- Grammar: formulary is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: act, authoritative, baptismal, bill.
- Usage evidence: “Pray,” replied the Colonel, “do you believe in all the doctrines to be found in the public creeds and formularies of our own church.”
How to use "formulary"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "formulary" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "formulary" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "formulary" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "formulary" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "formulary", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A list of formulas; a collection of set forms to be followed, especially in religious belief.
"“Pray,” replied the Colonel, “do you believe in all the doctrines to be found in the public creeds and formularies of our own church.”"
- 2 (pharmacology) a book containing a compilation of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and methods of preparation wordnet
- 3 A pharmacopoeia or list of available drugs, particularly prescription drugs
"However, when used appropriately under medical guidance, this drug is a safe and essential part of a physician's formulary."
- 4 A list of drugs, created by health insurers, hospitals, or prescription drug plans, that defines how costs for any drug are shared between patient and health care provider, typically broken down by tiers such as preferred generics with lowest copay, or preferred brand with higher copay, or non-preferred brand and not covered tiers with the highest cost to the patient.
"Even if beneficiaries want to stay in their current plan, they should still check that the drugs they take are remaining on their plan's formulary and on the same co-pay "tier" as before."
- 5 An ancient or medieval collection of models for official writings.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A collection of formulas in sciences and mathematics.
Adjective
- 1 Stated; prescribed; ritual.
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or of the nature of a formula wordnet
Example
"“Pray,” replied the Colonel, “do you believe in all the doctrines to be found in the public creeds and formularies of our own church.”"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "formulary"?
Common synonyms include: act, authoritative, baptismal, bill, binding, bylaw.
How do you use "formulary" in a sentence?
“Pray,” replied the Colonel, “do you believe in all the doctrines to be found in the public creeds and formularies of our own church.”
How do you pronounce "formulary"?
Pronounced /ˈfɔː(ɹ)mjʊləɹi/.
Etymology
From Middle French formulaire. By surface analysis, formula + -ary.