configuration

noun

kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
Definition of configurationnext
1
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome

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2
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized a small business computer system in its simplest configuration

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3
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged his photographs have an intentionally loose configuration, with no single object intended as the primary center of interest

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4
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance a birthday cake in the configuration of a top hat

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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 configuration Apple’s announcement came 11 days after Wardle disclosed a Muse configuration that allowed any app or code running on a Mac—including commands injected through the increasingly effective ClickFix attacks—to take full control of the AI assistant. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 Officials on Wednesday presented an arena design with rows of retractable seats that would allow for configurations featuring three basketball courts, five volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts or 28,000 square feet of meeting space on the floor. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 For a sport that spent decades with effectively the same system, structure and configuration, the rate of change in modern college football is jaw-dropping. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026 This configuration runs on an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 processor, a particularly potent multi-core CPU built for heavy production, streaming, and creative tasks on top of AAA gaming and multitasking. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for configuration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for configuration
  1. structure
  2. layout
  3. design
  4. shape
  5. framework
  6. formation
  7. format
  8. form
Noun
  • Future uses for the approach include any number of stronger, lighter structures and materials needing protection from vibration and shaking.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
  • One scenario making the rounds has Cheeks potentially overseeing all of the vast TV holdings of the combined company, but so far, there’s no firm confirmation and a final structure isn’t expected to be announced until next week.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • Drivers knew the back entrances, the factory layouts, and the best path to the boss of a mom-and-pop workshop.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Independent has become known for its distinctive layout, which emphasized flow over the boxy booths that typify these commercial trade shows.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Rooms Splayed across the cliff front and dense, thrumming jungle at the southwestern tip of Bali, the 37 villas that make up the property as of 2026 are each completely unique in design, character and art.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Often, the company sets its standards based on Japan’s service protocol, counter design and product innovation.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • For Miraval The Red Sea, Foster + Partners architects have designed 180 guest rooms, suites, and villas with biophilic shapes and natural materials, allowing the accommodations to seamlessly fit into the landscape.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The team notes that this version uses one cell line, muscle fibers aligned in one direction and simple shapes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Clayton also noted in the interview the task force would discuss potential legislative options that could be part of an AI framework moving forward.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this year, the EU softened its corporate sustainability disclosure rules and adjusted its carbon pricing framework.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Jones said the team believes its drilling results raise questions about some previous explanations of the site as a natural rock formation.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the debris swirling in the rotating disk is a remnant from planetary formation.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • In the emerging markets, there’s recruitment at scale, thanks in part to mini-sized products and other different formats.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly all its arrangements hew to a standard radio-pop format, and in the record’s back half this lack of imagination becomes tiresome.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of format
Noun
  • Annals are historical records arranged by year; the clue leverages the entry’s singular form to misdirect us.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Swatting is a form of cyber harassment that typically involves a caller alerting law enforcement to an active shooter situation or some other sort of immediate danger that does not actually exist.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of form

Browse Nearby Words

confiding
configuration
configurations
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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/configuration. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about configuration

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