civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms of civilized

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026

The chaos in Ithaca may be political and ethical—a violation of custom—but stretches of the poem are barbarous and wild, beyond civilized life altogether. — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Today, however, after decades of angry seatbelt alarms and parking sensor shrieks, a polite musical chime almost seems civilized. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Part of being a great city is acting civilized. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised
• capitalized