crys·tal·lize
ˈkri-stə-ˌlīz 
variants
or less commonly crystalize
crystallized; crystallizing
1
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
2
: to cause to take a definite form
tried to crystallize his thoughts
3
: to coat with crystals especially of sugar
crystallize grapes
: to become crystallized
crystallizer
noun
crys·tal·liz·er
variants
also British crystalliser
ˈkri-stə-ˌlī-zər
plural -s
: one that crystallizes: such as
a
: an apparatus for carrying out crystallization (as by cooling, evaporation, or the use of a vacuum)
b
: a reagent that causes or promotes crystallization
Examples of crystallize in a Sentence
Verb
Eventually the paint will start to crystallize.
Certain conditions can cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds.
Certain conditions can crystallize carbon into diamonds.
The final paragraph of the essay crystallizes her theory.
He tried to crystallize his thoughts.
Her theory crystallizes in the final paragraph of the essay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
The exasperation crystallized in November 2025.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 11 June 2026
But instead of quietly dispersing, patrons and neighborhood residents resisted, sparking several nights of demonstrations that crystallized growing frustration with discrimination and police harassment.
—Diana Rodriguez, Time, 8 June 2026
The lyrics describe a crystallizing moment in which the narrator realizes that her relationship is the thing that’s not working in her life, despite the best hopes and intentions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for crystallize
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Verb
The earnings expectations that break the map Even before the dispersion data crystallized, Lamont was growing uneasy about the earnings story justifying valuations.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
The exasperation crystallized in November 2025.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 11 June 2026
But instead of quietly dispersing, patrons and neighborhood residents resisted, sparking several nights of demonstrations that crystallized growing frustration with discrimination and police harassment.
—Diana Rodriguez, Time, 8 June 2026
The lyrics describe a crystallizing moment in which the narrator realizes that her relationship is the thing that’s not working in her life, despite the best hopes and intentions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for crystallize
Cite this Entry
“Crystallize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystallize. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
crystallize
verb
crys·tal·lize
ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz
crystallized; crystallizing
1
a
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
b
: to become crystallized
2
: to take or cause to take definite form
the plan crystallized slowly
Medical Definition
crystallize
verb
crys·tal·lize
variants
also crystalize
also British crystallise
or crystalise
crystallized also crystallized also British crystallised or crystallised; crystallizing also crystallizing also British crystallising or crystallising
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
especially
: to cause to form perfect or large crystals
: to become crystallized
—often used with out
the solid crystallized out
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