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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But receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame hadn’t even crossed her mind, let alone make it onto any of her manifestation boards.—
Anna Tingley,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
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The tort claim asked for at least $300,000 in damages on behalf of the woman, who’s suffering from nausea, anxiety and sleeplessness as physical manifestations of emotional distress, Gordon wrote in the claim.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The images could look livelier this season.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The initiative, which aims to strengthen the country’s image abroad and attract foreign industry by promoting the Brazilian film industry, is the result of a Technical and Financial Cooperation Agreement between the two organizations.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Externalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/externalization. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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