incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
Synonyms of incarnationnext
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 adjective

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
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.
The first incarnation of Reprise/Warner released legendary recordings by the likes of the Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and many more. Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025 In fact, Rhodes was featured in the original incarnation of the brand back in 2010. Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 The American empire is just the fourth incarnation of what started as Roman, became Christian European, and then predominantly British. Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025 Of the many incarnations of the narcissist, there is the braggart, and there is also the neurotic. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incarnation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of incarnation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Incarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incarnation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun
in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incarnation

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