as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)
bizarre paintings that are the externalization of a very troubled psyche
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Recent Examples of externalization
Art is an externalization of our imagination and need to express ourselves.
—
Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Virtuoso delivers accurate externalization and localization of sound, ensuring mix decisions translate well to loudspeakers.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
But this depiction of public shaming feels like a paranoid fantasy, an externalization of May’s guilt, rather than a believable development.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024
Interludes in which the accusing faces of prisoners silently fill the frame act as a sort of externalization of his survivor’s guilt.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024
Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Virtuoso delivers accurate externalization and localization of sound, ensuring mix decisions translate well to loudspeakers.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
But this depiction of public shaming feels like a paranoid fantasy, an externalization of May’s guilt, rather than a believable development.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024
Interludes in which the accusing faces of prisoners silently fill the frame act as a sort of externalization of his survivor’s guilt.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for externalization
Noun
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Camping, in all its modern manifestations, has become an increasingly popular and affordable go-to strategy for families eager to get outside and enjoy meaningful time together.—
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes,
Boston Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
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The science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Rehabilitation A week after Manes’ departure, Johnson posted the image of himself posing with Bukele and their families in front of a Christmas tree.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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When police released images of the weapon, Robinson’s father texted his son, asking for a picture of the gun, according to the charging document.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Externalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/externalization. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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