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

a sitcom that popularized the phrase

b

: to present in generally understandable or interesting form

a popularized version of American history

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

The style was first popularized during the 70s, but continued to make a comeback in many eras, including the 2000s, 2010s and even 2016, seen on celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyla and even Michelle Obama. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026

Luckily, Indian auteur Samjad has directed a film that will bring joy to fans of the battle-ready half-vampire Wesley Snipes popularized on the big screen. — William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Keurig’s new single-serve coffee machine delivers the same convenience that helped popularize its appliances but without the use of recyclable pods made from plastic and aluminum. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026

Kettling was popularized in the 1990s, when activists started using information technologies to outmaneuver police attempting to disperse their protests. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

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