monopolize

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz 

monopolized; monopolizing

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of

monopolize a conversation

monopolization

mə-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

monopolizer

mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of monopolize

• consume
• possess
• have

Examples of monopolize in a Sentence

He's always monopolizing the conversation.

The company has monopolized the market for computer operating systems.

One group monopolized the camping area, taking almost all of the campsites.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ticketmaster and its parent Live Nation Entertainment have monopolized the market, the Department of Justice argued, driving up the prices for everyone. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026

Don't monopolize oven space with a ham. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

The idea soon monopolized my thoughts. —Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026

The Department of Justice’s 2024 lawsuit alleges that Live Nation has illegally dominated the live concert industry by monopolizing ticketing, concert booking, venues and promotions. —Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monopolize

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

Kids Definition

monopolize

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz 

monopolized; monopolizing

: to acquire or have complete control over

always monopolizing the conversation

monopolization

-ˌnäp-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

monopolizer

-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Legal Definition

monopolize

transitive verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz 

monopolized; monopolizing

: to get a monopoly of

monopolize an industry

monopolization

-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun