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

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

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

However, whether the brain changes are a cause of the mental health issues, an effect of them, or are independent manifestation of overwork is unclear. —Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Maybe this was a manifestation of the same streaming bloat that has also, recently, produced maddeningly incomplete seasons of hit shows like The Last of Us and Squid Game. —Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025

Her amnesia is a manifestation of that (as a literary device; in real life, your family's trauma doesn't affect your brain damage…probably). —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 25 June 2025

Pentecostalism, a movement within Protestant Christianity, is a denomination that can be traced back as early as 1900’s and emphasizes manifestations of the Holy Spirit — such as supernatural healing and speaking in tongues. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 12 June 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