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
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The attacks bring into sharp relief how some of the key selling points of crypto — decentralization from banks, the ease of transferring large sums, irreversible transactions — also double as its vulnerabilities. Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 The goal isn’t decentralization as an aesthetic, but decentralization that stays governable. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Saylor, the co-founder and executive chairman of the company, downplayed the concentration risk, saying overall liquidity and decentralization limit the impact of any single holder. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 Some of the most committed believers in decentralization are now in closed-door Oval Office meetings. Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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