centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce centralize (audio)
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 noun
centralizer noun

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
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.
Vulnerable to Political Shifts Shortly after President Jimmy Carter created FEMA in 1979 to centralize federal disaster management, the agency began to dole out grants to help communities grappling with large-scale destruction. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 27 June 2025 Microsoft's Windows 11 moved the volume and brightness indicators to the bottom of the screen and centralized them for the first time. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 26 June 2025 CISOs can implement governance, risk and compliance (GRC) platforms to centralize compliance tracking. Michelle Drolet, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Fewer nuclear powers means fewer opportunities for nuclear use, a goal that has also allowed Washington to centralize alliance decision-making under its command. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for centralize

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centralize was in 1795

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Cite this Entry

“Centralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centralize. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

centralize

verb
cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce centralize (audio)
centralized; centralizing
: to bring to a central point or under a single control
centralization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on centralize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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