materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz 

materialized; materializing

transitive verb

1

a

: to make material : objectify

b

: to cause to appear in bodily form

materialize the spirits of the dead

2

: to cause to be materialistic

intransitive verb

1

: to assume bodily form

2

a

: to appear especially suddenly

b

: to come into existence

materializer noun

Synonyms of materialize

• begin
• originate
• arise
• start
• appear
• commence
• be
• emerge

Examples of materialize in a Sentence

A waiter suddenly materialized beside our table.

Rain clouds materialized on the horizon.

Recent Examples on the Web

The planning stage for the yet-to-materialize routes has still cost taxpayers millions, with both Florida and Miami-Dade paying consultants to analyze bringing new transit modes to those neighborhoods. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

In 2022, a developer applied to build a car auction facility with a parking lot for more than 1,000 spaces, but those plans never materialized. — Emily Holshouser july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Levy, meanwhile, was in contention to sign with the Washington Commanders, but that signing didn’t materialize. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026

Each season is different, and typical El Nino conditions don't always materialize. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for materialize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz 

materialized; materializing

1

: to give material form and substance to

2

: to assume or cause to assume bodily form

a ghost materialized out of nowhere

3

a

: to come into existence

a promise that never materialized

b

: to appear suddenly