Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

exoticization

American  
[ig-zaht-uh-suh-zay-shuhn, -sahy-zay-shuhn] / ɪgˌzɑt ə səˈzeɪ ʃən, -ˌsaɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act, process, or result of characterizing or portraying someone or something as exotic.


Other Word Forms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While “Johanne Sacreblu” is undeniably a targeted rebuttal against “Emilia Pérez,” I also see it as a layered criticism of Hollywood’s exoticization of Latin America, and the vapidity of its representation of Latinos.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 29, 2025

There are twin senses of curiosity and exoticization, simply stemming from decades of information blockage.

From Slate Jan. 16, 2025

From our contemporary perspective, it’s perhaps impossible not to view the Parisian fascination with African culture — le tumulte noir — as a collision of both genuine appreciation and racist exoticization.

From Washington Post Nov. 10, 2022

The highlights, though, are Ms. Tarver’s paintings, which are capacious enough to evoke ideas of voyeurism and exoticization alongside beauty.

From New York Times Feb. 20, 2020

Quicksand offers insight into the exoticization of African American women abroad and the contest between art and domesticity as viable avenues for a fulfilling life.

From Salon Feb. 24, 2019

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training