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 At the crossroads of civilizations, this island nation has long lured design buffs with its walled villages, fairy-tale architecture, and mix of Arab and European influences. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026 The panther is the one to escort him to civilization, which proves easier said than done. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 The same family structure was prevalent in ancient Egyptian civilization, with extended families living and working together along the River Nile. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 Chalk it up to the leftover hubris of late-20th-century American empire and the grand illusion of a liberated civilization thriving behind an impenetrable fortress. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilization

Noun

Paris learned about the affiliate process from Jaz Smith, a fashion and lifestyle creator, who sees it as a way for creators to get paid for product research.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Determining whether changes in the blood-brain barrier, inflammation, genetics, lifestyle or other factors initiate this process will be an important next step.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of lifestyle

Noun

For years, brands have worked to both feed into and embed themselves in culture.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
In a pedagogical culture that tends to shy away from unpleasantness, Goodwin’s approach felt like an honest — and valuable — way of dealing with one of the ugliest aspects of American literary history.

— Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of culture

Noun

This marks a larger shift in how healthcare is administered globally, with many aging societies transitioning from hospital-centric care to more personalized and accessible options which are embedded in neighborhoods and communities.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
The company has also received an Approval In Principle (AIP) with a maritime classification society.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of society

Noun

It’s often said that great athletes struggle to talk about their sport and their accomplishments.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
McGuiness’ in-ring appearances have been few and far between but getting back in shape to make it through to the end is an accomplishment in and of itself.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

For the traditional Telugu Hindu ceremony, their priest translated Sanskrit to English in real time, and the mandap was designed as a circle to represent how life flows into itself for eternity.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of life

Noun

Gates is optimistic about AI's potential impact on healthcare, education, agriculture, scientific research, government services, small businesses, and more.

— Jeff Haden, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
To grow its talent pool, GSK India has early career programs such as the xCEL Trainee Program for graduates and initiatives like the GSK Scholars Programme, which aims to support students pursuing STEM education in the country.

— Charlotte Hu, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of education

Noun

Bermuda grass rhizomes can occur 6 to 8 inches deep, so simply pulling the surface runners or shallow cultivation will not eliminate it.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors, a move that would significantly lower energy consumption and cultivation costs — though home growers would be out of luck.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of cultivation

Noun

As mills experiment with luxury materials and new technologies, denim is being reimagined with a greater emphasis on tactility, refinement and elevated performance—while still preserving its core identity.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
This means moving beyond passive consumption and toward a rigorous, iterative process of trial, error, and refinement.

— Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilization

noun

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