individuate

verb

in·​di·​vid·​u·​ate ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-ˌwāt How to pronounce individuate (audio)
individuated; individuating

transitive verb

1
: to give individuality to
2
: to form into a distinct entity

Examples of individuate in a Sentence

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.
Stripped of any individuating pictorial or textual material, the sign remains recognizable as originating in the streets of Berlin through its figure alone. Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Victims emerge and disappear, without much time given over to individuating them. Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025 Taken on their own, many of these historical moments could seem individuated, the function of a particular moment or crisis. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025 The caveat to individuating during this lunation is that Neptune retrograde in Aries is close by degree (although not in the same sign) to the Virgo Moon. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 Sep. 2025 As of season three, episode nine, the wedding is off and Belly is in Paris individuating for the first time in her life. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 Enemies are the forces that divide us, that individuate us. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 5 July 2025 The enemies are the forces that divide us, that individuate us. Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of individuate was in 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Individuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuate. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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