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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
  • Fonda’s flawless silver pixie changed that, revealing his rare ability to transform gray hair from some something to be concealed into something to be expertly cultivated — a technique few colorists had dared to master.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Companies need to step up to finance the research and development throughout the project — ranging from early workshops to cultivating a team of artists to bring the film to life.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 25 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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