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

… a large manifestation has closed the highway, the elated crowd … chanting …

—Bob Shacochis

Synonyms of manifestation

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

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

This entry further defines community radio and then discusses its origins and its manifestations throughout the world. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

In Cavarocchi’s practice, womanhood is seen as a manifestation of nature, with landscapes playing a role in healing trauma and reflecting cyclical rhythms of regeneration. —Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

Inspired in part by Gillian Anderson’s compendium of women’s erotic fantasies, Want, as well as Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden, Superbloom is, in theory, a manifestation of Ware’s deepest desires. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026

The pop star’s headlining set was a two-year-old manifestation come to life. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026

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