verbalize

verb

ver·​bal·​ize ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce verbalize (audio)
verbalized; verbalizing

intransitive verb

1
: to express something in words
2
: to speak or write verbosely

transitive verb

1
: to name or express in words
2
: to convert into a verb
verbalization noun
verbalizer noun

Examples of verbalize in a Sentence

She didn't know how to verbalize her feelings. couldn't quite verbalize the cause of his mental distress
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.
One idea is writing down or verbalizing positive affirmations: positive statements that boost self-regard and self-esteem. Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 Jan. 2025 Many young adults struggle to verbalize their emotions following a traumatic event, and rituals can help foster the acknowledgment of emotions. Eric Wood, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 At least since Aristotle, many writers have posited a sensorial hierarchy: seeing and hearing are said to be the most salient to our minds and the easiest to verbalize, followed by taste, touch, and finally smell. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 Know what the return is and be prepared to verbalize it. Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for verbalize 

Word History

Etymology

verbal entry 1 + -ize, perhaps after French verbaliser

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of verbalize was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near verbalize

Cite this Entry

“Verbalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbalize. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

verbalize

verb
ver·​bal·​ize ˈvər-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce verbalize (audio)
verbalized; verbalizing
: to express in words
found it difficult to verbalize her feelings

More from Merriam-Webster on verbalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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