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

So, part of what is lost is the physical manifestation of these longer histories and heritages. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

This downtown store with genderless clothing, jewelry, ceramics, bags, and hats is the manifestation of René Holguin, a Ralph Lauren alum. —Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

Marco Bellocchio‘s six-episode Italian-language drama is a living nightmare of the past that doubles as an agonizing manifestation of the present — a potent reminder that widespread stupidity isn’t confined to a single time or place. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026

My life has been shaped by my love of bringing people together and hot pot is the ultimate manifestation of this desire. —Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 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