materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing
Synonyms of materializenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to make material : objectify
b
: to cause to appear in bodily form
materialize the spirits of the dead
2
: to cause to be materialistic

intransitive verb

1
: to assume bodily form
2
a
: to appear especially suddenly
b
: to come into existence
materializer noun

Synonyms of materialize

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Examples of materialize in a Sentence

A waiter suddenly materialized beside our table. Rain clouds materialized on the horizon.
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.
Pelinka mentioned the possibility of consolidation trades to reach the maximum number, but no transactions have materialized, especially with the Lakers trying to cling to their limited draft assets. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 But a formal deal never materialized, especially as David chafed at possible rewrites that might make the dark comedy more marketable. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 In the end, the defeat of the deal between the Khashoggis and the co-op didn’t come down to a board vote but a $100 million deposit that never materialized. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2026 While Mark Reuss was clear in that announcement in 2022, which accompanied a teaser of the then upcoming Corvette E-Ray, no electric Corvette materialized in the following four years. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for materialize

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of materialize was in 1710

Rhymes for materialize

See All Rhymes for materialize

Browse Nearby Words

materialization
materialize
material logic
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

materialize

verb
ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing
1
: to give material form and substance to
2
: to assume or cause to assume bodily form
a ghost materialized out of nowhere
3
a
: to come into existence
a promise that never materialized
b
: to appear suddenly
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