civilized

civ·i·lized | \ ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd

How to pronounce civilized (audio)

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Definition of civilized

: characteristic of a state of civilization civilized society especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

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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 The noblest aspirations of civilized society versus the base reality of human nature is a theme that frequently comes up at the Park Slope Food Co-op. — Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, "The Grocery Store Where Produce Meets Politics," 18 Nov. 2019 Together, our nations ensure the rule of law prevails in the entire civilized world. — chicagotribune.com, "Read the official transcript of President Trump’s remarks at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Chicago," 28 Oct. 2019 The killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is great news for the civilized world. — Brett Mcgurk, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Baghdadi’s death underscores what we’ve lost in Syria," 28 Oct. 2019 One of the oldest bars in the state, 740 opened on Louisville’s Front Street in 1904 to keep those heathen drinkers off of the more civilized Main Street. — Josie Sexton, The Know, "Colorado’s 13 most iconic, historic restaurants and what to order when you’re there," 23 Oct. 2019 In the civilized drama of urban life, the prominent display of juicy paint against canvas is art’s equivalent of theater. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: A Getty show rummages around in Edouard Manet’s private shadows," 22 Oct. 2019 There are no civilized species on the Red Planet, and no evidence that there ever were. — Seth Shostak, NBC News, "We may be closing in on the discovery of alien life. Are we prepared?," 4 Oct. 2019 Being that Char is an upscale restaurant and not a fast-food joint, the chicken breast was consumed all civilized-like, with knife and fork. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, "The new fried chicken in Huntsville you have to try," 12 Sep. 2019 Behind him is Oikoumene, a goddess who personified the civilized world, about to place a military wreath known as a corona civica on his head. — Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, "A Man Among Gods," 21 Sep. 2018

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

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Dictionary Entries near civilized

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Last Updated

3 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=c&file=civilized_1. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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