incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate

2

: a particular physical form or state : version

In another incarnation he might be a first vice-president.

—Walter Teller

TV and movie incarnations of the story

3

a

: a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept

especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree

she is the incarnation of goodness

b(1)

Incarnation : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ

(2)

: the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form

incarnational

ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of incarnation

• manifestation
• image
• avatar

Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation

she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness

Recent Examples on the Web

Spider-Man, in his original incarnation, was really just a nerdy teen named Peter Parker who readers could relate to, and the installments starring Holland have replicated that zippy, youthful energy. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

The cross did much worse to the one whom Christians believe to be the human incarnation of God, yet Jesus’ followers believed that his very crucifixion was the key to unlocking the revelation of God’s grace. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

But still — a solid episode of Project Runway in its current incarnation. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

This is the first time Santa Cruz Shakespeare has produced a Wilson play, stretching back 45 years into the company’s former incarnation as Shakespeare Santa Cruz. — Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b(2)

Rhymes for incarnation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form

2

capitalized : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ

3

: an actual instance of a quality or concept

she was the incarnation of goodness