incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
Synonyms of incarnation
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.
By now, there have been various incarnations of Mbappe at World Cups. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 June 2026 In the 2000s, the museum began converting a historic roundhouse that was once used as a horse stable into its current incarnation as an event and exhibition space. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The original incarnation of The Muppet Show lasted five seasons and 120 episodes, from 1976 to 1981, and in that time some of the biggest names in show-business lined up to take the stage alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 June 2026 Our sacred task now is not one of translation, but one of incarnation, letting the fullness of the 49 be seen, shown, felt and heard. Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 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 19 Jun. 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

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