monopolize

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
monopolize a conversation
monopolization noun
monopolizer noun

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 In September, the FTC alleged in a lawsuit that USAP had engaged in a decade-long scheme to drive up the price of anesthesiology by buying up more than a dozen Texas practices to monopolize that market. Peter Whoriskey, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 The earlier case concluded in 2001 with a trial judge’s ruling that Microsoft had illegally monopolized the market for computer operating systems. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023 Orwell had worried about the state monopolizing the means of representation, but the rise of digital cameras, computer editing, and the Internet promised to distribute them widely. Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 This escalating censorship in the world’s largest democracy is part of a wider campaign by Modi and his Hindu nationalist allies to monopolize public discourse: tightening their grip on power, advancing their Hindu-first ideology and squeezing out critical and dissenting voices. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 The problem of people monopolizing spaces for extended periods can be addressed by signage postings limiting parking duration. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2023 And some things you're just not allowed to monopolize. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023 In the songs’ realm, Benito monopolizes the Hot Latin Songs chart as Nadie Sabe arrives. Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2023 But Pacific Beach community leaders, frustrated that beachgoers and other people are monopolizing convenient spots, have approved meters for parts of Garnet Avenue and some nearby streets that will begin operating next month. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monopolize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near monopolize

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

monopolize

verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to acquire or have complete control over
always monopolizing the conversation
monopolization noun
monopolizer noun

Legal Definition

monopolize

transitive verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to get a monopoly of
monopolize an industry
monopolization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monopolize

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