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monopolize

verb

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

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
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.
Opposition politicians, meanwhile, accused the government of allowing IndiGo to nearly monopolize the sector. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Dec. 2025 This has created the mechanism by which both homelessness and homelessness spending continuously grow—a handful of beneficiaries monopolize available resources while the bulk of the homeless population is left wanting. Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025 If the only free parking in Balboa Park were the roughly 3,000 spaces in the zoo’s large lots, budget-minded visitors to other parts of the park could monopolize those spots and make parking near the zoo quite difficult. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 The suit alleges RealPage monopolizes the market for commercial rental revenue management software. John Molseed, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monopolize

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

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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