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

meetings, parades, and other such manifestations

—H. M. Parshley

Synonyms

• abstract
• avatar
• embodier
• embodiment
• epitome
• externalization
• genius
• icon
• ikon
• image
• incarnation
• incorporation
• instantiation
• objectification
• personification
• personifier

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

In many ways, American Science & Surplus is a physical manifestation of the maker ethos. —Eric Bangeman – Jun 4, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025

All around these memories there were beautiful pieces by Grace Wales Bonner and Willy Chavarria, living manifestations of how much André did to help promote talented people of color. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

The first manifestation of it, or at least the one veteran Lady Vols remember, is Weekly’s reaction to a seven-run sixth inning and a comeback win over Florida in April 2023. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 22 May 2025

In its ultimate manifestation HI leads to hybrid intelligence – a space of creation that neither human nor machine could enter alone. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

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