centralize

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

Synonyms

• consolidate
• concentrate
• integrate

Examples of centralize in a Sentence

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

In Ethiopia, aid was centralized and diverted to support government troops. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

In Europe, institutional structures tend to be centralized and governance-heavy. —Aurele Gouy, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

George Gascon to centralize criminal filings electronically, according to current Dist. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025

Authority was centralized in a new reporting group led by Chapek lieutenant Kareem Daniel, who alongside his mentor, exerted atypical control over content decisions. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for centralize

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

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