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
But Scandinavia has always struck me as unusually civilized.
—
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives.
—Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025
As a human being at this moment, Eunice teaches us about being civilized.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Colonial empires were founded upon understandings of racial hierarchy and civilizing missions.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2021
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives.
—Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025
As a human being at this moment, Eunice teaches us about being civilized.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Colonial empires were founded upon understandings of racial hierarchy and civilizing missions.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2021
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilize
Verb
-
The key lies in cultivating self-awareness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Words that call us not to manage time or extract value, but to cultivate and to care.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During the party’s push to urbanize China in the 2000s, many farmers had to surrender even these meager rights in exchange for an apartment and a welfare check.—
Ian Johnson,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
-
As cities urbanize and increase in density, more buildings and underground utilities become spaces for rats, and more food becomes available for rodents to eat.—
Sam Walters,
Discover Magazine,
6 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share