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
  • The grim scene was a stark contrast to the flamboyant public life the businessman had cultivated.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Cotton farmers represent an indispensable link in the upstream fashion supply chain, cultivating the very crops that make their way into garments spanning seasonality and circumstances, for brands ranging from mass market to luxury.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • Sub-Saharan Africa has both the most rapidly urbanizing population on Earth and the youngest.
    — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026
  • If appropriate action is not taken, economic growth in urbanizing cities will continue to happen at the cost of the less fortunate.
    — Chloe Wong, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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