verbalize

verb

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

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.
Experts urge parents to look for other signs in addition to verbalizing a hatred of school that may indicate your child is experiencing a problem that needs more serious intervention, like bullying or failing grades. Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026 Sometimes that may include the language of a speech, verbalizing a vision and motivating others to move toward it. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 The school emphasized that students should express themselves in words, but Jude was not a child who verbalized his feelings. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 And Payton verbalized his frustration over the Wilson deal, the source said, done before his arrival. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verbalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbalize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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

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