contextualize

verb

con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz 

-chə-ˌlīz, 

-chü-ə-

contextualized; contextualizing

transitive verb

: to place (something, such as a word or activity) in a context

When the rebellion is historically contextualized, it becomes clear that there were many factors that contributed to it.

contextualization

kən-ˌteks-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-chü-ə-lə-

noun

Examples of contextualize in a Sentence

When the rebellion is historically contextualized, it becomes clear that there were many factors contributing to it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lichtblau contextualizes the murder by thoroughly describing many other recent Southern California hate crimes, said Elon Green in The New York Times. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 2026

This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026

When considering a new credit card, Funk urges consumers to look past the ever-growing list of card perks and to contextualize a card’s benefits within their own lives. —Ryley Amond, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026

Rather than functioning as a traditional career overview, the documentary aims to contextualize Earth, Wind & Fire’s music within the broader cultural and social movements that surrounded it. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contextual + -ize

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contextualize

• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise