EXTERNALIZATION Synonyms: 31 Similar Words

externalization

noun

ek-ˌstər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən

Definition of externalization

as in manifestation

a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality) bizarre paintings that are the externalization of a very troubled psyche

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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.

Recent Examples of externalization The production design is excellent, the humorous details of Vision’s metaphorical manse and the externalization of computer processes clever. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026 The trade-off for that short-term satisfaction is the externalization of a thinking process that used to live inside a junior associate’s head. — Jeff Raikes, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 The cumulative effect could be the gradual externalization of state capacity. — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Virtuoso delivers accurate externalization and localization of sound, ensuring mix decisions translate well to loudspeakers. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 But this depiction of public shaming feels like a paranoid fantasy, an externalization of May’s guilt, rather than a believable development. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for externalization

Noun

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, 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

Definition of manifestation

Noun

The image is then precision-fabricated into a 3D model that’s finished by hand — all for $2,200, about the national average of an actual wedding gown.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
This sort of puzzling connection between text and image is repeated throughout the exhibition.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of image

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external

externalization

externalizations

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“Externalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/externalization. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of externalization

noun

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