incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən 

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)

capitalized : 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 

adjective

Synonyms

• abstract
• avatar
• embodier
• embodiment
• epitome
• externalization
• genius
• icon
• ikon
• image
• incorporation
• instantiation
• manifestation
• objectification
• personification
• personifier

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

The movie went through multiple incarnations to finally land at the family-friendly version that De Luca and Abdy ultimately pushed through. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025

Superman trailer reveals first look at Lex Luthor, Guy Gardner, Krypto, and more iconic DC characters David, Rachel, and Nick — there have been a lot of incarnations of these characters over the years. —Mike Miller, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Like the latest incarnation of Snow White, Order of the Seven was set to be made in London and that shines a spotlight on the finances of the production. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

More than once Snook squabbles with one of her video incarnations over ownership of the narration. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for incarnation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən 

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