evangelize

verb

evan·​ge·​lize i-ˈvan-jə-ˌlīz How to pronounce evangelize (audio)
evangelized; evangelizing
Synonyms of evangelizenext

transitive verb

1
: to preach the gospel to
2
: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel
evangelization noun
evangelizer noun

Examples of evangelize in a Sentence

The missionaries set out to evangelize the world. They were evangelizing about the importance of saving energy.
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.
Brian Contos is the Field CISO at Mitiga with 30+ years of experience building successful companies and evangelizing cybersecurity. Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Catholics began to resurface around 1837 with another wave of European migrants who evangelized in the streets and in the name of the poor and immigrants. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Technology leaders who have taken the podium as graduation speakers of late may have figured out AI evangelizing isn’t polling well with young professionals, and tweaked their messaging accordingly. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 June 2026 The actor and comedian, who was married to Katy Perry, has reinvented himself as a Christian convert who evangelizes about free speech and free thinking in MAGA America. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evangelize

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evangelize was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Evangelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evangelize. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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