materialization

noun

mə-ˌtir-ē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce materialization (audio)
Definition of materializationnext
as in apparition
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people since no one lived in the attic, the landlord suggested that the new tenant might have seen the materialization of a woman once murdered there

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Example Sentences

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 materialization For the science-fiction concepts underpinning that world, including gravity control, faster-than-light communication and cognitive materialization, Kamiyama worked with novelist Toh EnJoe, credited as SF setting supervisor, as an outside arbiter. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 The brand pointed to the Moab Speed 2 and the Moab 3 models as contributors to the strong growth in the marketplace, partially driven by fresh colorways and materializations, along with enhanced storytelling. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 Dream up things that have not been dreamt, and use the tools of AI to materialize them faster, because going from ideation to materialization is daunting, time consuming. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 3 May 2026 Who knows if, in this upside-down world that currently weighs on her, the june bug can see the nearby corpse of another beetle, accidentally disemboweled by the home’s owner hours before, the white fat peeking out from her rear end like the materialization of her dying breath. — María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026 The high-top comes in a neutral White Sand hue, while dimensionality is added through a suede and canvas materialization. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025 New materializations of pure desire, birthing all creatures, as hungry as new life. — Ida Momennejad, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materialization
  1. apparition
  2. ghost
  3. spirit
Noun
  • One is Eye Witness (1987), a wintry landscape of two figures who seem to look away from an apparition of sorts; a skyscraper in the distance bears a resemblance to the Empire State Building.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • For evening observers, this apparition has been more frustrating than triumphant, with Venus lingering low in the glow of twilight instead of climbing into a commanding position.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparition
Noun
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • There were earlier versions of this story that were openly mocking of Kip, versions that threw Leo under the bus for being too sly; versions that were too overtly political; versions with ghosts that didn’t need to be there, and so on.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ghost
Noun
  • Shoes also embraced a more playful and expressive spirit, with jewels, bows, flowers, bold prints and vibrant colors.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirit

Browse Nearby Words

materiality
materialization
materializations
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Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about materialization

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