socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

transitive verb

1

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for a social environment

2

a

: to constitute on a socialistic basis

socialize industry

b

: to adapt to social needs or uses

3

: to organize group participation in

socialize a recitation

intransitive verb

: to participate actively in a social group

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of socialize

• mingle
• mix
• associate

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

She danced and socialized at the party.

he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends

Recent Examples on the Web

Ruled by the sun and symbolized by the lion, the fire sign is associated with confidence, charisma, and a natural love of socializing and looking good while doing so. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 17 July 2026

Enjoy schmoozing and socializing with others, especially old flames and people from your past. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 14 July 2026

Eve Babitz — who was a close friend of 93-year-old Deanne Mencher, who still makes the cheesecakes at Dan Tana’s — was known for socializing at the restaurant. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Soak in one of three saunas, socialize over complimentary beer at the nightly cocktail hour, and take advantage of direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for socialize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

1

: to make social

especially : to make fit for a social environment

2

: to take part in social activities

socializing with friends after work

socialization

ˌsōsh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Medical Definition

socialize

transitive verb

so·​cial·​ize

variants also British socialise

ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for society or a social environment

children are socialized according to a given cultural pattern

—H. A. Murray & C. K. Kluckhohn