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

Other leagues are increasingly discussing centralizing their local media rights sales, with the possibility of bundling them together on a streaming service such as Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, ESPN, or YouTube. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The overloaded model could centralize expertise, but at the cost of quality and sustainability. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

However, emerging technologies, often seen as centralizing power, offer a surprising opportunity to distribute it. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Welch has floated the notion of centralizing human resources operations in the House. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 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