civilize

verb

Definition of civilizenext
as in to cultivate

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of civilize Stephens never plays a mustache-twirling sadist, instead carrying himself with the unbearable confidence of a man truly convinced that his version of abuse and even murder is civilized. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026 For Portugal, education was an important part of its civilizing mission. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 Over time, these ideas became part of a broader moral justification for European imperial expansion, framing colonial rule as a civilizing mission. — Anna Piela, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026 Classic imperialism sought to bind disparate places together under a vast administrative structure, animated by a civilizing mission. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilize
  1. cultivate
  2. urbanize
Verb
  • But the star has cultivated a loyal collective of her favorite brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Area (recall her famous Super Bowl jeans).
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The one-person filmmaker averages 3 million views per episode and has cultivated a YouTube audience of 500,000.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • If appropriate action is not taken, economic growth in urbanizing cities will continue to happen at the cost of the less fortunate.
    — Chloe Wong, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Farmers in the modern world Farmers’ contribution to the Cold War shored up their cultural and political importance in a rapidly industrializing and urbanizing United States.
    — Peter Simons, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of urbanize

Browse Nearby Words

civilizations
civilize
civilized
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Cite this Entry

“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on civilize

Nglish: Translation of civilize for Spanish Speakers

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