civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms of civilized

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Part of being a great city is acting civilized. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026

Acting civilized, working hard, reflecting on our own actions, owning mistakes, having shame, trying to be better! — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

Today, the antagonism between the defendants and the system judging them took the shape of civilized disagreement. — Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026

Even the rare man who finds combat invigorating needs help in reintegrating into a peaceful and civilized society. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised
• capitalized