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

Somewhat diminished in the film’s erratic attempts to contextualize this ever-metastasizing sickness is Odeh himself. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2026

To contextualize that, that’s roughly the size of all of Aritzia today. — David Moin, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

And Claude did a nice job here contextualizing some of the report’s more eye-popping numbers. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Attendees at El-Sayed and Ocasio-Cortez’s stop at Northern Michigan University in Marquette contextualized their own excitement around a broader concern that Michigan voters outside the room would view the two as too far left. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 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