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Definition of formulaic

formulaic

/ˌfɔːr.mjəˈleɪ.ɪk/
for · mu · la · ic
Adverb:formulaically
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formulaic Lexical Profile

formulaic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Produced in accordance with a slavishly followed rule or style; predictable, conventional, and lacking originality.

Example

"Critics dismissed the summer blockbuster as a formulaic action movie with a completely predictable plot."

2

Constituting or containing a set verbal, literary, or mathematical formula.

Example

"Ancient epic poetry relied heavily on formulaic phrases to help oral bards remember thousands of verses."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for formulaic

• Nearby Words

formosa
formosan pit viper
formula
formulaic
formulaically
formulate
formulation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from the noun 'formula' plus the suffix '-ic'. 'Formula' originates from Latin as a diminutive of 'forma' (meaning 'form', 'mold', or 'rule').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Formulaic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/formulaic
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