Definition of urbanizenext
as in to civilize
to accustom to the ways of the city every September the city of Boston urbanizes a new crop of college students from small towns across the country

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of urbanize Conflict zones are likely to evolve through shifting alliances, urbanizing battlefields, and expanding involvement of regional actors, while armed groups and criminal networks may reorganize rapidly, creating new uncertainties for governments and humanitarian agencies. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 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 Many cities have pushed back, arguing that so many more homes will more rapidly urbanize their suburban communities. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for urbanize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbanize
civilize
Verb
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Urbanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbanize. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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