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 Middle East has seen several significant archaeological discoveries in 2026, revealing new insights into ancient civilizations and the region’s rich history. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 The arc of this feud is now well known to all and will no doubt be shaped into the epic poetry our descendants recite in front of bonfires long after our civilization collapses. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Don told me some interesting stories about the Mokies, a civilization of cliff dwellers who long ago inhabited the area. — Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026 This ancient civilization in Yunnan reached its height during the second and first centuries BCE. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilization

Noun

Outside the South, interestingly, recent research has found a greater embrace of Southern accent features, emerging in particular among those in rural areas where traditional lifestyles and, often, more conservative views are embraced.

— Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
For Diplo, helping his children embrace a healthy lifestyle is essential.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of lifestyle

Noun

Fittingly, Gentling the Horse’s overriding theme is a fascination with the oddballs who scrape by on the fringes of capitalist society.

— Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
In a society divided by nationality, religion, ethnicity and ideology, that produces a crowded field.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of society

Noun

In her new role, Danielle will help celebrate her aunt's life and accomplishments while offering a personal perspective on the woman behind the music, according to a press release announcing the appointment.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
But even with their growing lists of accomplishments, all three designers acknowledge that running an independent label has its challenges.

— Vogue, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

Believing her daughter’s life was on the line, Del Mastro followed the caller’s instructions for five hours.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Three of those defendants, in agreements, pleaded guilty to capital murder and were sentenced to life without parole.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of life

Noun

The union argues that income limits topping $500,000 in parts of the state make it more a tax break for the wealthy than an education program.

— Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Its eventual deployment could help the university explore how emerging aircraft fit into policing, emergency management, and engineering education.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of education

Noun

Fashion is, after all, an entire industry built on the cultivation and expression of taste.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Grenada The new year marks the 150th anniversary of Spicemas, the annual August carnival in Grenada, which is known as the Spice Island due to its cultivation of nutmeg, cloves and other scented delights.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of cultivation

Noun

Playfulness keeps the level of refinement from becoming precious.

— David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
More refinement of tech During a continuous 58-day trial, the system treated water containing a cocktail of six different regulatory-priority PFAS compounds.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of refinement

Browse Nearby Words

civility

civilization

civilizations

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilization. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilization

noun

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