naturalization
noun
nat·u·ral·i·za·tion
ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
plural naturalizations
: the act or process of naturalizing : the state of being naturalized: such as
a
: the course of action undertaken to become a citizen of a country other than the country where one was born
I complete the application for naturalization, wondering whether I know enough American history and government, and whether I could be disqualified for not knowing all the unmemorable lines of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner."—
Judy Ray
Judy Ray
b
of a non-native plant or animal
: the process of becoming or the state of being established in the wild so that growth and reproduction are possible without human intervention
This phenomenon follows the typical pattern of invading plant and animal species, the gradual process of naturalization by which ecological balance tends to reassert.—John Eastman
John EastmanExamples of naturalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
People are being snatched off the streets by ICE, taken from schools or out of naturalization ceremonies, often deprived of their right to due process, and deported without any notice or hearing.
—Mary Waskowiak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
The discontinuation of the USCIS grants jeopardized the support of four federally funded citizenship and immigration services programs in Rhode Island that helped lawful permanent residents go through the naturalization process.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 13 Dec. 2025
Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 10 Dec. 2025
This review affects holders of green cards, employment authorization documents (EADs), travel documents, and, in some cases, naturalization applicants who already completed interviews and other standard vetting processes.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
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Mary Waskowiak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
The discontinuation of the USCIS grants jeopardized the support of four federally funded citizenship and immigration services programs in Rhode Island that helped lawful permanent residents go through the naturalization process.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 13 Dec. 2025
Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 10 Dec. 2025
This review affects holders of green cards, employment authorization documents (EADs), travel documents, and, in some cases, naturalization applicants who already completed interviews and other standard vetting processes.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalization
Cite this Entry
“Naturalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalization. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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