individualize

verb

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce individualize (audio)
-ˈvij-wə-,
-ˈvi-jə-ˌlīz
individualized; individualizing

transitive verb

1
: to make individual in character
2
: to adapt to the needs or special circumstances of an individual
individualize teaching according to student ability
3
: to treat or notice individually : particularize
individualization
ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce individualize (audio)
-ˌvij-wə-
-ˌvi-jə-lə-
noun

Examples of individualize in a Sentence

The author uses different styles to individualize the characters. Teachers should individualize their lessons to address differences in their students.
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.
But the definition of commitment is shifting as more couples choose nonmarital cohabitation, and as relationships become increasingly individualized. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Each student’s goal is individualized to them for literacy and math, Deputy Superintendent Nicole DeWitt said after the meeting. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 The company is in a good place to leverage generative AI to sell new products that could individualize a student’s learning journey, the bank said. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2025 Diet is individualized in IBD, and tracking symptoms could help in knowing if watermelon leads to any problems, especially during a flare-up. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for individualize

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of individualize was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Individualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualize. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

individualize

verb
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-līz How to pronounce individualize (audio)
-ˈvij-ə-ˌliz
individualized; individualizing
1
: to make individual in character
2
: to treat or notice individually
3
: to change to fit the needs of an individual
individualization
-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən
-ˌvij-ə-lə-
noun

Medical Definition

individualize

transitive verb
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, -ˈvij-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce individualize (audio)
variants or British individualise
individualized or British individualised; individualizing or British individualising
: to adapt to the needs or special circumstances of an individual
individualize dosage for the most beneficial effect
individualization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on individualize

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