materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing
Synonyms of materializenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to make material : objectify
b
: to cause to appear in bodily form
materialize the spirits of the dead
2
: to cause to be materialistic

intransitive verb

1
: to assume bodily form
2
a
: to appear especially suddenly
b
: to come into existence
materializer noun

Synonyms of materialize

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Examples of materialize in a Sentence

A waiter suddenly materialized beside our table. Rain clouds materialized on the horizon.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So many themes related to the Tylenol poisonings seemed to emerge as Cooper investigated Betkowski’s life, but no direct evidence materialized to link him to the crime or place him in Chicago during the time of the poisonings. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Despite early reports Thursday night of passengers on the flight physically threatening flight crew members, that’s not what materialized, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 Obviously, this has just been a fantasy that never really materialized. — Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Analysis shows how Trump’s promise of cheaper groceries and gas has not materialized. — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for materialize

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of materialize was in 1710

Rhymes for materialize

See All Rhymes for materialize

Browse Nearby Words

materialization
materialize
material logic
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Cite this Entry

“Materialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

materialize

verb
ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing
1
: to give material form and substance to
2
: to assume or cause to assume bodily form
a ghost materialized out of nowhere
3
a
: to come into existence
a promise that never materialized
b
: to appear suddenly
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