universalize

1 of 2

verb

uni·​ver·​sal·​ize ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-ˌlīz 

universalized; universalizing

transitive verb

: to make universal : generalize

universalization

ˌyü-nə-ˌvər-sə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

universalization

2 of 2

noun

uni·​ver·​sal·​ization

variants also British universalisation

ˌ⸗⸗ˌ⸗sələ̇ˈzāshən, 

-əˌlīˈz-

plural -s

: the quality or state of being universalized

Examples of universalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Centuries ago, authors wrote errata lists for the same reason job applicants intentionally place typos in their cover letters today—to resist the universalizing force of new technology, and to prove that there is a real human behind their work. — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

The group recommends using Bearwise, an organization created by biologists across the country to universalize the advice people are given about coexisting with bears. — Eva Flowe may 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026

Jesus universalized this obligation. — Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026

Groeningen wisely universalizes a story that could have played as a privileged, unpigmented vision of drug addiction. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1642, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for universalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Kids Definition

universalize

verb

uni·​ver·​sal·​ize ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-ˌlīz 

universalized; universalizing

: to make universal : generalize

universalization

-ˌvər-sə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun