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.
New Balance is widely credited for popularizing the latest incarnation of the hybrid concept, first in Junya Watanabe Man’s Paris Fashion Week fall/winter 2024 show and later that year in September at retail. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025 The modern incarnation is in a flute, sans the ice. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025 The modern incarnation of the FCC does not regulate streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, limiting the chairman’s influence over what Americans see on their screens. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025 The Mothership gained legendary status in 1976, however, when a physical incarnation, designed by Jules Fisher, became part of the P-Funk Earth Tour stage show. Gary Graff, Billboard, 17 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incarnation. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.

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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