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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Recent Examples of externalization
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
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
-
And her theory is embodied by Bartlett’s leper character, who in his literal and physical anonymity feels simultaneously like a manifestation of the island itself and a guardian of its promise.
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Highly intelligent individuals are often perceived as impatient, but psychologists suggest this trait may actually be a manifestation of their sharp minds.
Noun
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Cops released an image of him aboard the bus wearing a white hoodie and are asking the public’s help tracking him down.
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Some satellite images even show evidence of fire damage, consistent with reports of firefighters supporting the emergency response.
Cite this Entry
“Externalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/externalization. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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