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

The pilot program transforms portions of 13th Street, Sansom Street and Drury Street into pedestrian-only spaces, giving residents, office workers and visitors room to dine, shop and socialize without vehicle traffic. —Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 3 June 2026

There are scenier spots in José Ignacio where the glitterati love to see, be seen, and socialize, but this one hits the spot. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

This Levantine subculture socialized in French, voiced endearments in Arabic, communicated with functionaries in Turkish. —Joseph O’Neill, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

This cohort is spending less time at the club for late-night outings and more time socializing in the park, at daytime sporting events or on a hike. —John Kell, Forbes.com, 1 June 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