anonymize

verb

anon·​y·​mize ə-ˈnä-nə-ˌmīz How to pronounce anonymize (audio)
variants also British anonymise
anonymized; anonymizing

transitive verb

: to remove identifying information from (something, such as computer data) so that the original source cannot be known : to make (something) anonymous
There's an incredible amount of data in your travel profile. So they improved security and created a sophisticated way to anonymize data.Dana Hawkins
anonymization noun
also British anonymisation
anonymizer noun
also British anonymiser

Examples of anonymize in a Sentence

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.
Odell phones anonymized nurses who cared for her at the time, asking them to relay their thought processes, their actions, and, mostly, their inactions. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025 This includes adopting robust data governance practices, anonymizing sensitive information, and maintaining clear documentation of how data is collected and used. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 It is anonymized but remarkable in its granularity, including details such as gestational age, complications and procedures. CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 If not, avoid sharing it or find a way to anonymize it further. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anonymize

Word History

Etymology

anonym(ous) + -ize

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anonymize was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anonymize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anonymize. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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