centralize

play

verb cen·tral·ize \ ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz \

Definition of centralize

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

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centralization

play \ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

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centralizer

play \ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

See centralize defined for English-language learners

See centralize defined for kids

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 of centralize from the Web

Over his nearly four decades in office, dos Santos sought to weaken the MPLA and centralize power around himself through a vast system of political patronage.

— chicagotribune.com, "Angola's transition to technocracy won't be victimless," 25 Aug. 2017
When the city was re-united in 1852, the city government was centralized in the newer building.

— contributing writer, NOLA.com, "Gallier Hall, y'all: The history of the New Orleans landmark," 18 Aug. 2017
Centralized booking was a goal of former county prosecutor Timothy McGinty.

— karen farkas, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County fire departments to form rescue task forces to respond to active shooter incidents," 10 Aug. 2017
But as medical technology developed and quickly became centralized in hospitals, house calls dipped to 10 percent of all medical care in 1960, and less than 0.5 percent in 1996.

— michael brice-saddler, baltimoresun.com, "MedStar Health joins national initiative to train more doctors to make house calls," 5 Aug. 2017
Too many Americans don’t understand that public education is increasingly centralized, following priorities set in Washington, not by their local school board.

— david french, National Review, "To Defend Public Schools, the Hard Left Puts On the Tinfoil Hat," 31 July 2017
Unlike Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism is largely centralized and controlled through the Rabbinical Assembly, which sets the movement’s policies on rabbinical conduct and interpretations of law.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "‘We’re Headed Toward One of the Greatest Divisions in the History of the Jewish People’," 16 July 2017
The two proposals would also preserve but reconfigure Mission Bay Golf Course, create nature lookout points, fill a missing link for bicyclists, add a vehicle entrance off Grand Avenue and centralize parking areas.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New amenities, more marshland proposed for Mission Bay Park," 29 June 2017
The changes began two years ago when the city centralized its disorganized and inefficient graffiti efforts into the Streets Division of the Transportation and Stormwater Department.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego graffiti crackdown includes more staff, centralization, phone app," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'centralize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of centralize

1795

centralize Synonyms

Synonyms

center, compact, concenter, concentrate, consolidate, polarize, unify, unite

Antonyms

decentralize, deconcentrate, spread (out)

Related Words

coordinate, harmonize, integrate, orchestrate; blend, coalesce, combine, fuse, incorporate, merge, reduce; conjoin, join, link; assemble, collect, colligate, gather; reunify, reunite

Near Antonyms

segregate, separate

CENTRALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

centralize

play

verb

Definition of centralize for English Language Learners

: to bring (things that are in different places) together at a single point or place
: to bring (something) under the control of one authority

CENTRALIZE Defined for Kids

centralize

play

verb cen·tral·ize \ ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz \

Definition of centralize for Students

centralized; centralizing

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

The school system centralized student records at the main office.

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Examples of centralize in a Sentence

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First Known Use of centralize

centralize Synonyms

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Antonyms

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Near Antonyms

CENTRALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

centralize

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