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

The songs are contextualized a little and, among other gentle pleasures, Kole and Galante explore a little of the structural complexity of Bacharach’s constantly shape-shifting music, an outlier among pop compositions and indicative of the composer’s technical genius. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present. —Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

Understanding how many fans the venue will actually hold helps contextualize ticket availability and demand. —Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

Maybe something along those lines gets at what Welsh, 77, has been trying to contextualize for a while now. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contextual + -ize

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contextualize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize