formulate vs invent

formulate and invent both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
formulate	No	No	Yes	No
invent	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, formulate and invent are synonyms defined as:

formulate and invent: come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

Other synonyms of formulate include contrive, devise, excogitate, forge.

formulate (verb)	invent (verb)
put into words or an expression	come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses	concoct something artificial or untrue
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
prepare according to a formula