manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌma-nə-fə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfe-ˈstā-

1

a

: the act, process, or an instance of manifesting

demanded some manifestation of repentance

b(1)

: something that manifests or is manifest

(2)

: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression

external manifestations of gender

c

: one of the forms in which an individual is manifested

Hate in all its manifestations is wrong.

d

: an occult phenomenon

specifically : materialization

2

: a public demonstration of power and purpose

meetings, parades, and other such manifestations

—H. M. Parshley

Synonyms

• incarnation
• image
• avatar
• icon
• essence
• personification
• abstract
• incorporation
• externalization

Examples of manifestation in a Sentence

a portrait of a mother and child that is regarded as the very manifestation of maternal love

Recent Examples on the Web

There have since been little public manifestations of those questioning Kim's authority. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

As August winds down, remember: joy is also part of your healing, and laughter is a form of manifestation too. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 24 Aug. 2025

The dress, a precious birdcage veil handmade by my best friend, Katie, and her mom, Diane, and the care my mom and sister took in dressing me was all a manifestation of the love that made me. —Heather Schroering, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025

One of the most popular manifestations of the rosé nail trend is a very pale blush shade that bears a striking resemblance to a bottle of Whispering Angel. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 28 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for manifestation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən 

-ˌfes-ˈtā-

1

a

: the act or an instance of manifesting : expression

b

: something that manifests : evidence

2

: a public demonstration of power and purpose

Medical Definition

manifestation

noun

man·​i·​fes·​ta·​tion ˌman-ə-fə-ˈstā-shən, -ˌfes- 

: a perceptible, outward, or visible expression (as of a disease or abnormal condition)

the manifestations of shock