Thesaurus results for CIVILIZE

civilize

verb

Definition of civilize

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

Verb

The Huntington cultivates them on-site and has distributed many to botanic gardens and zoos across the country.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Located in the heart of the Marais district, the department store has been a fixture of Paris retail for more than 160 years and has spent decades cultivating a reputation for premium fashion, design and homeware.

— Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

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
Farmers in the modern world Farmers’ contribution to the Cold War shored up their cultural and political importance in a rapidly industrializing and urbanizing United States.

— Peter Simons, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026

Definition of urbanize

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civilizations

civilize

civilized

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“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilize

verb

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