decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
1
: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers
a decentralization of powers
specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities
the decentralization of the state's public school system
government decentralization
2
sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
decentralize verb

Examples of decentralization 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.
But the armed forces also strive to take advantage of decentralization, harnessing it to drive innovation and effectiveness on the battlefield. Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Now the challenge for Natthaphong is to build on Move Forward’s remarkable showing in 2023 to win sufficient seats in the upcoming ballot to form a government and enact a bold agenda of decentralization, deregulation, and reducing the political influence of the military and royal palace. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 Crypto does not need to replicate traditional finance precisely, nor compromise on its foundational principles of decentralization and openness. Mark R. Weaver, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 The decentralization of the broadcasts can get confusing, if not frustrating. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decentralization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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