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.
Burkhart said those effects could materialize rather quickly, from businesses eating the costs of tariffs to consumers seeing higher prices. — Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 The filmmakers couldn’t have anticipated how that notion would materialize on set. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 Shein's Hong Kong debut comes after earlier attempts to go public in New York and London did not materialize. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Seeing ominous vines twist to life on towering trees, or watching the Cheshire Cat materialize through the woodland setting, is always a delight. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 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

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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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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