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

The mainly American mainstays monopolize the market, while denim production has tight margins and is resource-intensive. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 July 2026

Your in-laws monopolize your time Grandparents who live close by may expect to be included in every family outing, while out-of-town grandparents may expect to see you and the kids during every vacation or school break. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026

However, such an improvement might get hampered by a number of challenges, such as the rise of space debris in orbit or a single company monopolizing commercial space launch, researchers added. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 20 July 2026

At times of heightened tensions, the Houthis have used the Bab el-Mandeb as a geopolitical bargaining tool, disrupting the passage of trade in a similar fashion to how Tehran has monopolized the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 16 July 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