civilize

verb

Definition of civilizenext
as in to cultivate

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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 civilize Classic imperialism sought to bind disparate places together under a vast administrative structure, animated by a civilizing mission. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 Biking in Copenhagen is civilized—collective pressure ensures hand signals and other forms of etiquette are strictly adhered to. — Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025 These facts, in turn, were wielded as evidence for the need of a civilizing Christian influence. — David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 If Providence gave Americans the right to civilize a continent, why not the world? — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilize
  1. cultivate
  2. urbanize
Verb
  • Vance speaks with the manipulative skill of a politician who has cultivated a rapid-fire style designed not to persuade, but to overwhelm.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge is not racing to construct a synthetic copy but cultivating the capacity to recognize, interface with and leverage what has been present all along.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • Both sides represent wider constituencies that are using this election to define the future of hunting and fishing — not only in the rapidly-urbanizing state of Colorado but, by extension, the rest of America.
    — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Sub-Saharan Africa has both the most rapidly urbanizing population on Earth and the youngest.
    — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of urbanize

Browse Nearby Words

civilizations
civilize
civilized
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Cite this Entry

“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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