verbalize

1 of 2

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
ˌvər-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce verbalize (audio)
noun
verbalizer
ˈvər-bə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce verbalize (audio)
noun

verbalizer

2 of 2

noun

ver·​bal·​iz·​er -zə(r) How to pronounce verbalizer (audio)
plural -s
: one that verbalizes

Synonyms of verbalize

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Verb

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Examples of verbalize in a Sentence

Verb 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.
Verb
Sometimes couples forget to verbalize their affection or show it in other ways. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 James verbalized the doctrine of the divine right of kings that would inspire later Stuart monarchs. — Literary Hub, 12 June 2026 Players are also encouraged to verbalize their challenge, to leave nothing to doubt, but the cap/helmet tap represents the official challenge. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 An occasional over-reliance on voice-over hammers this home, verbalizing Benji’s constant need to be loved without giving the story space to breathe and reveal these beats more organically. — David Opie, IndieWire, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for verbalize

Word History

Etymology

Verb

verbal entry 1 + -ize, perhaps after French verbaliser

First Known Use

Verb

1609, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of verbalize was in 1609

Rhymes for verbalize

See All Rhymes for verbalize

Browse Nearby Words

verbalization
verbalize
verbalizer
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Cite this Entry

“Verbalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbalize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of verbalize for Spanish Speakers

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