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 of verbalize

• say
• utter
• tell
• talk
• speak
• discuss
• share

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

The more Ramsey verbalized her vision — pillows over here, food there, this path dedicated for walks around the lake — the brighter her eyes became. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026

Players are also encouraged to verbalize their challenge, to leave nothing to doubt, but the cap/helmet tap represents the official challenge. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

James verbalized the doctrine of the divine right of kings that would inspire later Stuart monarchs. — Literary Hub, 12 June 2026

Recognizing and verbalizing patterns in behavior. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

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
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

verbalize

verb

ver·​bal·​ize ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz 

verbalized; verbalizing

: to express in words

found it difficult to verbalize her feelings