COLONIZE Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

colonize

verb

ˈkä-lə-ˌnīz

Definition of colonize

as in to inhabit

to supply with inhabitants believes that someday humans will be sent to colonize Mars

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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 colonize Some who don’t embrace their Spanish ancestry view those who do as part of the colonizing minority, not the colonized majority. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Leather Fringe Long before America was colonized, Indigenous tribes like the Lakota and Shoshone in the Great Plains region sewed deerskin fringe trim on their garments. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Only about a third of clinical cases come from blood; the rest are found in urine, wounds and the respiratory tract, where the fungus is often colonizing rather than invading. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 If SpaceX’s ultimate goal is to colonize Mars, that tendency to divert extra cash into longshot development programs may never cease. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for colonize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonize

Verb

Even in smaller supporting parts, Neill had an uncanny ability to make a film feel richer simply by inhabiting its world with complete conviction.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 July 2026
The Little Mermaid was widely criticized for the eerie appearance of the creatures which inhabit its undersea world.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of inhabit

Verb

His songs are populated by blue-collar trappers who have to gas up their cars in enemy territory, travel on the Megabus, and create makeshift masks by tying T-shirts around their faces.

— Drew Millard, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Pop crossovers, polished ballads and the young seeds of bro-country were what populated the radio, but Church loved harder rock influences, outlaw heroes, and even the Muscle Shoals soul.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026

Definition of populate

Verb

Today, this part of the South Side seems to be almost entirely peopled by Black families.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Ishaq has made a film peopled with women and boys who go beyond simple archetypes, setting joyful female solidarity against omnipresent conflict in a way designed to communicate with a broad demographic.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 May 2026

Definition of people

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colonists

colonize

colonized

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“Colonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonize. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of colonize

verb

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