materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz 

materialized; materializing

transitive verb

1

a

: to make material : objectify

b

: to cause to appear in bodily form

materialize the spirits of the dead

2

: to cause to be materialistic

intransitive verb

1

: to assume bodily form

2

a

: to appear especially suddenly

b

: to come into existence

materializer noun

Synonyms

• actualize
• appear
• arise
• begin
• break
• commence
• dawn
• engender
• form
• originate
• set in
• spring
• start

Examples of materialize in a Sentence

A waiter suddenly materialized beside our table.

Rain clouds materialized on the horizon.

Recent Examples on the Web

But so far, the visa — which would apply to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam — has not materialized. —Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024

The development intended to generate revenue to renovate their aging stadium and anchor the team in Anaheim never materialized. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2024

Over the last two years, Scripps News’ live anchored coverage and documentary programming have grown its linear television audience, but the prospects for the necessary revenue growth haven’t materialized, despite our sales teams’ efforts. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024

Risk management, a strategy embraced under former Chair Alan Greenspan, seeks to head off potential threats, even those that appear unlikely to materialize. —Craig Torres, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz 

materialized; materializing

1

: to give material form and substance to

2

: to assume or cause to assume bodily form

a ghost materialized out of nowhere

3

a

: to come into existence

a promise that never materialized

b

: to appear suddenly