Definition of vulgarizenext
as in to popularize
to use so much as to make less appealing the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 vulgarize His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions. BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
  • That idea is fairly commonplace now—but that’s because Perel helped popularize it.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • Columbia University mathematician Joan Birman helped to popularize the question about 60 years ago.
    Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Along with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the foundation also partners with schools and community institutions to educate the challenging effects of stereotyping, unconscious bias, and representation imbalance of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and persons with disabilities.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 21 June 2026
  • Brousson jokingly stereotyped the Waffle House staffers as having active warrants, picking their nose with the spatulas and smoking cigarettes while battling third-degree grease burns.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
  • Although the word ‘hero’ is greatly overused in today’s society, in my mind, Calvin Duncan is a hero in the truest sense of that word.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • At 3x, the Razr+'s image processing tried to save the shot by overexposing the dish, but unfortunately, my dinner just looks like an inedible oil painting with a glossy sheen.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • They can get dehydrated and overexposed to the sun and are unable to cool down.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The Senators are trying to reach a compromise with the Big Ten and SEC on about 270 different passages in the bill, most of which would bore you to tears.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The best moment of this episode comes near the end, when Amanda Cronin, bored by a ridiculous argument, decides to reapply her lip gloss using her knife as a mirror.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulgarize. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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