verbalize

verb

ver·​bal·​ize ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz 

verbalized; verbalizing

intransitive verb

1

: to express something in words

2

: to speak or write verbosely

transitive verb

1

: to name or express in words

2

: to convert into a verb

verbalization

ˌvər-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

verbalizer

ˈvər-bə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• articulate
• bring out
• enunciate
• pass
• say
• speak
• state
• talk
• tell
• utter
• vocalize

Examples of verbalize in a Sentence

She didn't know how to verbalize her feelings.

couldn't quite verbalize the cause of his mental distress

Recent Examples on the Web

But conflicts can be worsened when underlying emotions, never verbalized, emerge after the caregiving ends. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

The person still feels pain, but may not be able to localize it or verbalize it. —Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025

This is first verbalized by Amrita, the resort’s wellness guide, during her session with Rick, referring to the state of restlessness that distracts people from meditation, and thus, a stillness of interiority that may yield enlightenment. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025

Acknowledge their importance: Simply verbalize their importance by reminding them they are loved. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

verbal entry 1 + -ize, perhaps after French verbaliser

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Rhymes for verbalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

verbalize

verb

ver·​bal·​ize ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz 

verbalized; verbalizing

: to express in words

found it difficult to verbalize her feelings