civilized
adjective
civ·i·lized
ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially
: characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint
Examples of civilized in a Sentence
A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.
Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.
Try to act like a civilized human being!
a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Across the board, Mercedes leans on mild hybrid tech to smooth out torque delivery and keep the ride feeling civilized.
—
New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025
Rather than a barrier between north and south, Arab and African, civilized and uncivilized, the Sahara emerges as a varied landscape deeply enmeshed in trading, religious, and other networks that stretch beyond its vast expanse.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Biking in Copenhagen is civilized—collective pressure ensures hand signals and other forms of etiquette are strictly adhered to.
—Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025
The announcement will be at a much more civilized hour for fans on the East Coast.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
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New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025
Rather than a barrier between north and south, Arab and African, civilized and uncivilized, the Sahara emerges as a varied landscape deeply enmeshed in trading, religious, and other networks that stretch beyond its vast expanse.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Biking in Copenhagen is civilized—collective pressure ensures hand signals and other forms of etiquette are strictly adhered to.
—Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025
The announcement will be at a much more civilized hour for fans on the East Coast.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
Cite this Entry
“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
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