contextualize

verb

con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce contextualize (audio)
-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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The personalized data reports and educational materials on the platform can help contextualize women’s symptoms and may allow a health provider to better offer specific treatment options or lifestyle changes. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025 Hearing Meghan say ‘there was no plan’ helps to contextualize a lot of the decisions the Sussexes made in regard to their first business deals with Spotify, Penguin Random House, and Netflix. Janelle Ash , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Matthiessen contextualizes their demands within the history of colonial violence, and persuasively argues for the release of Peltier, who spent nearly fifty years behind bars before his sentence was commuted to house arrest by President Joe Biden, this past January. Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 Now there is a growing body of academic literature attempting to contextualize her life. Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contextualize

Word History

Etymology

contextual + -ize

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contextualize was in 1934

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contextualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contextualize. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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