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

Part of the fun of listening to the thrice-weekly show (one being for Patreon members), aside from its hosts contextualizing a dizzying array of tabloid headlines, is learning its lexicon. — Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

The same could be contextualized in one of Parks’ most indelible portraits, of Black Panther Party leaders Eldridge Cleaver and his wife, Kathleen, in Algiers, Algeria, in 1970. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Who knows how their memories will be contextualized by whatever agents of artificial intelligence are doing the contextualizing? — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Cradle to the grave this is not, but the film still succeeds mightily when contextualizing Heumann’s role in the disability rights movement and her singularity as a true American original. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 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