popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz 

popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as

a

: to cause to be liked or esteemed

b

: to present in generally understandable or interesting form

popularization

ˌpä-pyə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show

Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud.

The book presents a popularized version of American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nudging, a subtle behavioral technique popularized by economist Richard Thaler, effectively guides employee behavior without coercion. —Mike Hyzy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Only recently have some of the traditional aspects of bridal wear first popularized by Victoria been updated for modern times. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 June 2025

While season-long competitions running in tandem with regular-season play have long been part of the global soccer calendar, the WNBA and the NBA have both played a major role in popularizing them stateside. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 June 2025

In 1982, the Reebok Freestyle sneaker arrived as one of the first women’s white sneakers, popularized by Jane Fonda’s aerobics videos. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for popularize

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

Kids Definition

popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz 

popularized; popularizing

: to make popular

popularization

ˌpäp-yə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

noun