CIVILIZATION Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

civilization

noun

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən

Definition of civilization

as in lifestyle

the way people live at a particular time and place a documentary on the advanced civilization created by the Mayas over a thousand years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in culture

a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts by the 18th century Boston had reached a level of civilization sufficiently advanced to support a circle of portrait painters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of civilization The artifact is from the Aztec or Mexica civilization, and was possibly worn by Emperor Moctezuma II, is currently at the Weltmuseum in Vienna. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026 Rubio visited Portugal a day after delivering a speech in the Greek capital, Athens, urging European countries to save Western civilization by upholding the values and traditions of ancient Greece. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Division by 60, or a base-60 system, traces back to the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations of Mesopotamia. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 While many of the Middle East’s archaeological sites invoke pharaohs, Nabataeans, Romans, Islamic civilization, and Crusaders, the columns of Al-Rajajil are an echo of a prehistoric period wrapped in mystery. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilization

Noun

The California lifestyle brand will roll-out denim that's unbleached and undyed.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Leo is known for living an active and healthy lifestyle, including swimming and playing tennis, all factors that likely worked in his favor going into the surgery.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of lifestyle

Noun

In cell cultures, the researchers found that gamma delta T cells could kill the cancer cells when redirected by the drug.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
The brand reinterpreted the Karakorum, Verone, Himalaya and Tibb jackets, paying tribute to its history, alpine culture and commitment to outfitting expeditions.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of culture

Noun

Such acts undermine Israel's security, its regional and international standing, and the moral fabric of our society.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
By the 1980s, England was beginning its turn away from churchgoing as a cornerstone of society, so nothing as extroverted or nakedly clerical as gospel choirs would fit a downcast, monochromatic land anyhow.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of society

Noun

No North American sports franchise can claim such an accomplishment since the Shaq- and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers from 2000 to 2002.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
And yet, in Wembanyama’s eyes — and those of his teammates — those accomplishments amount to little more than a prelude.

— Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

For younger consumers who have always managed much of their lives through apps, these experiences often feel like different versions of the same activity.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
People who score high on measures of zest are also more likely to view their lives as meaningful.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of life

Noun

Most of his son’s school day is in a special education classroom, but his plan requires him to spend a certain amount of time in a general education classroom alongside his peers.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
The Catholic preschools’ argument had relied heavily on a series of Supreme Court decisions, starting in 2017, that involved religious schools and public funding – and shifted the wall between church and state in education.

— Preston Green III, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of education

Noun

Although Merlot is included in this first vintage, Alessandro hints that the blend may change over time, as cultivation of Merlot has become challenging as growing conditions have evolved with climate change.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
The bear-resistant container was invented to arrest the inadvertent cultivation of problem bears.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of cultivation

Noun

The partners describe a process of testing and refinement that continues through performance validation and industrial production.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Here, next to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Keowee in Sunset, South Carolina, adventure and refinement exist in effortless harmony.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of refinement

Browse Nearby Words

civility

civilization

civilizations

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Style

“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilization. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilization

noun

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