evangelize

verb

evan·​ge·​lize i-ˈvan-jə-ˌlīz 

evangelized; evangelizing

transitive verb

1

: to preach the gospel to

2

: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel

evangelization

i-ˌvan-jə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

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

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

As the genre eventually called alt-country calcified in Souled American’s wake, luminaries like John Darnielle, Will Oldham, and Tweedy himself all evangelized about the Chicago group without ever replicating their sound. —Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026

A couple of years ago, as Semones released her 2024 EP Kabutomushi, the legendary bassist took notice and evangelized the up-and-comer on social media. —Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 13 Apr. 2026

That baptism marked a turning point, after which Ivey became increasingly focused on using his platform to evangelize. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for evangelize

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