incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
Synonyms of incarnation
1
: the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate
2
: a particular physical form or state : version
In another incarnation he might be a first vice-president.—Walter Teller
TV and movie incarnations of the story
3
a
: a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept
especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree
she is the incarnation of goodness
b(1)
Incarnation : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ
(2)
: the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form
incarnational
ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of incarnation

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Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness
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.
Put all that together and this city has good reason to embrace a festival that, after 20 incarnations in Sweet Home Chicago, deserves to be seen as part of our summer furniture. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 The 56-year-old artist and member of both the Frames and the Swell Season was best-known for the 2007 Oscar-winning film Once and its subsequent Broadway incarnation, which earned eight Tony Awards. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 29 July 2026 With production elements that are top of the line, including stunning cinematography from Brett Pawlak, this is indeed a Brand New Day in the cinematic incarnation of Spider-Man. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 July 2026 While laying out his Superhero Mount Rushmore, a torn Quaid ultimately selected David Corenswet’s Superman, Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique, Christian Bale’s Batman, and Shameik Moore’s Spider-Man (the Miles Morales incarnation). — Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incarnation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b(2)

Time Traveler
The first known use of incarnation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for incarnation

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Browse Nearby Words

incarnate
incarnation
incarnational
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Cite this Entry

“Incarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incarnation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incarnation

noun
in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
1
: the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form
2
capitalized : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ
3
: an actual instance of a quality or concept
she was the incarnation of goodness

More from Merriam-Webster on incarnation

Nglish: Translation of incarnation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incarnation

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