popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
popularization noun
popularizer noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud. The book presents a popularized version of American history.
Recent Examples on the Web Catfishing is a film/TV genre in itself, popularized by the 2010 documentary Catfish and the 2012 MTV reality TV show Catfish. Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024 Origin: Italian Meaning: Home ruler Alternative Spellings and Variations: Americus Amadeus The name Amadeus was popularized by composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Oct. 2024 Negative comments fuel her to keep going, especially as she’s witnessed— and helped — other Southern California contemporaries popularize the genre. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 The concept of deep work, popularized by author Cal Newport, emphasizes the importance of long periods of uninterrupted focus. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for popularize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'popularize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near popularize

Cite this Entry

“Popularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

popularize

verb
pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
: to make popular
popularization noun
popularizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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