Definition of externalizenext
as in to embody
to represent in visible form an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of externalize The production works best when the play’s expressionistic flourishes invite theatergoers to consider more deeply the subjective experiences and societal subtexts that are being externalized. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 But reimagining American history — particularly Black American history — through dark fantasy externalizes systemic violence. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026 That’s in part because girls don’t tend to display some of the big externalizing behaviors, like aggression or tantrums, that people tend to associate with autism in boys, Black says. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 4 Mar. 2026 But environmental groups say reduced regulation simply externalizes the costs to the public ― and that the people who live in the shadow of power plant smokestacks, in particular, pay the price. Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for externalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for externalize
Verb
  • Historically, these jackets embody a very utilitarian look, with a long, boxy cut and oversized front patch pockets for holding tools.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The biggest sports stars were shifting into almost mainstream celebrities - and no one embodied this shift more than Simpson.
    Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The girls also expressed their interest in other music festivals.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Elmi got a loan and incorporated Reva Health and has since transferred nearly $150,000 from those accounts to his own business, the court document says.
    Adam Duxter, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Smith arrived in Minnesota with a charge to incorporate many of Miami’s creative tenets into the Vikings’ run game.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Criticism by autistic individuals led to further research that has found neurotypical researchers may simply fail to see how autistic empathy manifests itself—ironically due to their own lack of empathy for autistic perspectives.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 18 Aug. 2026
  • When Soldier is killed in a car accident, Pierce’s conflicting obligations to family and friends becomes manifested in the choice between his brother’s wedding and his best friend’s funeral — both falling on the same day.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Chapman's charges raised concerns to Krissie Fung, a member of the city's police oversight body the Fire and Police Commission.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 8 July 2026
  • Body measurements for height, waist, hips and Relative Fat Mass, an index that estimates body fat percentage from height, waist circumference and gender, have remained stable.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The decision seemed to symbolize American’s effort to focus on lower costs rather than passenger experience.
    Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • One example has come to symbolize that challenge more than any spreadsheet ever could.
    Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The ByteDance app, for example, is directing users of its former AI companion service to another of its apps which solely focuses on building personalized AI characters and stories.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The model is highly customizable, allowing each owner to personalize the layout, interior arrangement, and other design details.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Externalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/externalize. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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