monopolize

1 of 2

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
Synonyms of monopolizenext

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
monopolize a conversation
monopolization
mə-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun
monopolizer
mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

monopolizer

2 of 2

noun

mo·​nop·​o·​liz·​er
variants also British monopoliser
-zə(r)
plural -s
: one that monopolizes

Synonyms of monopolize

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of monopolize in a Sentence

Verb He's always monopolizing the conversation. The company has monopolized the market for computer operating systems. One group monopolized the camping area, taking almost all of the campsites.
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.
Verb
The mainly American mainstays monopolize the market, while denim production has tight margins and is resource-intensive. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 July 2026 There are environmental concerns that traditional burials monopolize too much land and employ toxins that can leach into the soil and groundwater. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 Your in-laws monopolize your time Grandparents who live close by may expect to be included in every family outing, while out-of-town grandparents may expect to see you and the kids during every vacation or school break. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026 However, such an improvement might get hampered by a number of challenges, such as the rise of space debris in orbit or a single company monopolizing commercial space launch, researchers added. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for monopolize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Rhymes for monopolize

See All Rhymes for monopolize

Browse Nearby Words

monopolization
monopolize
monopolizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monopolize

verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to acquire or have complete control over
always monopolizing the conversation
monopolization
-ˌnäp-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun
monopolizer
-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

monopolize

transitive verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to get a monopoly of
monopolize an industry
monopolization
-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monopolize

Nglish: Translation of monopolize for Spanish Speakers

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