centralize

1 of 2

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

intransitive verb

: to form a center : cluster around a center

transitive verb

1

: to bring to a center : consolidate

centralize all the data in one file

2

: to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization

centralized several functions in a single agency

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

centralizer

ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

centralization

2 of 2

noun

cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion

variants also British centralisation

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌlī-ˈzā-

plural -s

1

: the act or process of centralizing : the state of being centralized

2

a

: concentration of the powers and agencies of government in the central or national organization

b

: concentration of authority and power in the hands of a few

he believed in strong centralization—the concentration of power in a few hands, the strict regimentation

—H. L. Mencken

Synonyms of centralize

Verb

• consolidate
• concentrate
• integrate

Examples of centralize in a Sentence

Verb

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office.

The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Republicans have pushed schemes in Tallahassee to centralize and seize power there and pre-empt beneficial solutions tailored to local needs. — Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

New Zealand plans a bill to bar private lawsuits against high emitters, centralizing enforcement with the government. — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Any plan for data retention policies remains troublingly unclear, and there’s seemingly been no privacy impact assessment weighing the privacy implications of centralizing so much sensitive data in the White House, the Guardian reported. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026

Arghandiwal, an Oakland native born to Afghan immigrant parents, launched the Oakland Roots to centralize the community aspect of sports, especially in a city that lost its pro teams to the greed of major sports. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French centralisation, from centraliser + -ation

First Known Use

Verb

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for centralize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

: to bring to a central point or under a single control

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun