westernization

noun

west·​ern·​i·​za·​tion ˌwe-stər-nə-ˈzā-shən 

variants often Westernization

: conversion to or adoption of western traditions or techniques

Examples of westernization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Molly Earle Three friends challenge the westernization of two beloved drinks — chai and matcha — and discuss the rich histories of these trendy drinks. — Steve Drummond, NPR, 2 Sep. 2024

The same—around 20 percent—do not support this regime, who prefer democracy and the westernization of Russia. — Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 11 Jan. 2024

Despite the austerity of its reflections on this period of westernization, Tsuta’s winking sense of humor manages to shine through. — Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024

Social movement arguments often highlight the leading role of the clergy, who called on the defense of cultural and religious traditions endangered by westernization. — Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 14 Dec. 2022

The show, from Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman, and Hugh Wheeler about Japan’s westernization, was the first musical Jue was taught in high school. — Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Suits hold a special cultural role in Japan, seen as a tangible sign of the country’s modernization and westernization during the Meiji era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

All those shows are remarkably eclectic, telling stories depicting Brothers Grimm fairy tales, cannibalism in Victorian London, the westernization of 19th-century Japan and a Hollywood songwriter’s fractured friendships. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for westernization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration