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
Their presence was thought to help civilize the environs and increase the likelihood of entire families becoming fans and spending money on the sport.
—
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 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
To American expansionists, the conquest of the Philippines was a continuation of the United States’ westward drive and a fulfillment of its civilizing and democratizing mission.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 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
To American expansionists, the conquest of the Philippines was a continuation of the United States’ westward drive and a fulfillment of its civilizing and democratizing mission.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilize
Verb
-
On June 25, for instance, there will be a new moon in Cancer, which is all about emotional new beginnings and a time to cultivate and nurture what reminds us of home.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
12 June 2025
-
Figgins hopes to create a space where training to be a dancer is safe and nurturing but also requires discipline and rigor necessary to cultivate students’ talents.—
Jeryl Brunner,
Forbes.com,
12 June 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
-
And so most countries around the world will need to urbanize to move their populations out of energy poverty, a great transformation that is already taking place at an unprecedented rate.—
Ted Nordhaus,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Aug. 2016
Cite this Entry
“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share