manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌma-nə-fə-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce manifestation (audio)
-ˌfe-ˈstā-
Synonyms of manifestation
1
a
: the act, process, or an instance of manifesting
demanded some manifestation of repentance
b(1)
: something that manifests or is manifest
(2)
: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression
external manifestations of gender
c
: one of the forms in which an individual is manifested
Hate in all its manifestations is wrong.
d
: an occult phenomenon
specifically : materialization
2
: a public demonstration of power and purpose
… a large manifestation has closed the highway, the elated crowd … chanting …—Bob Shacochis

Synonyms of manifestation

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Examples of manifestation in a Sentence

a portrait of a mother and child that is regarded as the very manifestation of maternal love
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Turns out, Shakespeare didn’t have to decide, because the story works equally well whether the reader believes the figure is ectoplasm in the castle courtyard or is a psychological manifestation of Hamlet’s nagging conscience. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 The demonstrations became a more widespread manifestation of anger and anxiety about education, employment, and general livelihood issues. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026 The hotel just opened, so maybe that’s what accounts for it, but there’s a real atmosphere of excitement, and the staff seems to want to represent the greatest manifestation of the Four Seasons brand. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 The curtain that officials brought down to prevent witnesses seeing Pike’s suffering is merely the visible manifestation of a process that is hidden from voters by design. — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifestation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of manifestation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for manifestation

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Browse Nearby Words

manifestant
manifestation
manifestative
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Cite this Entry

“Manifestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manifestation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

manifestation

noun
man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce manifestation (audio)
-ˌfes-ˈtā-
1
a
: the act or an instance of manifesting : expression
b
: something that manifests : evidence
2
: a public demonstration of power and purpose

Medical Definition

manifestation

noun
man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfes- How to pronounce manifestation (audio)
: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression (as of a disease or abnormal condition)
the manifestations of shock
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