homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmä-jə-ˌnīz 

hə-

homogenized; homogenizing

transitive verb

1

a

: to blend (diverse elements) into a mixture that is the same throughout

b

: to make uniform in structure or composition throughout : to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid

b

: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed

specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles

As a chemist, he developed equipment to homogenize milk …

—Matt Stiles

intransitive verb

: to become uniform in structure or composition throughout : to become homogenized

homogenizer noun

Synonyms of homogenize

• standardize

Examples of homogenize in a Sentence

The new curriculum is an attempt to homogenize education throughout the county.

plans to homogenize the science curriculum in public high schools throughout the state

Recent Examples on the Web

But in general, the scuzz in these songs is homogenized, distributed evenly rather than sticking out in clumps. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Tools like Archie homogenize the wage piece, restoring the business case for building domestically. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Designing purely surface-level characters to comment on the ways that technology homogenizes culture is the kind of exercise that can create only distance between readers and characters. — Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

And will gentrification homogenize the neighborhood in unwelcome ways? — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

homogen(eous) + -ize

Note: Compare earlier French homogénéiser, which preserves the -e- of Latin homogeneus.

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for homogenize

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

Kids Definition

homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz 

hə-

homogenized; homogenizing

1

: to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly

homogenize peanut butter

homogenize paint

b

: to break up the fat of (milk) into very fine particles

homogenization

-ˌmäj-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

homogenizer

-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnī-zər

noun

Medical Definition

homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize

variants also British homogenise

hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz, hə- 

homogenized also British homogenised; homogenizing also British homogenising

transitive verb

1

: to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid

b

: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed

specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles especially by forcing through minute openings

intransitive verb

: to become homogenized