as in to popularize
to use so much as to make less appealing
the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vulgarize
His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.
—
BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.
—Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.
—Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
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Coercive control is a term popularized by sociologist Evan Stark, who theorized that the way abusers take over victims' lives is similar to the psychological torture and control used on prisoners of war and cult members.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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The concept, popularized by American political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to the ability to attract rather than compel.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As if to prove his point about support for environmental causes, Millwall fans, often lazily stereotyped as hooligans more interested in Green Street than going green, are proving how outdated such stereotypes are by leading one environmental league table.—
Steve Price,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The result is a stunning look at Black suffering and Black joy, and how a group of people who have been stereotyped as avoiding water actually have a deep and meaningful history with the ocean.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Musicians can develop dystonias from overusing certain body parts such as violinists who develop dystonia in their hands or trumpet players who develop dystonia in their lips.—
Indu Subramanian,
The Conversation,
1 May 2025
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The word timeless can sometimes be overused in fashion, but this is that word in action.—
Libby Page,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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When a player like McKinstry begins receiving everyday at-bats, there is a risk of that player getting overexposed — too many miles on the Cadillac.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Today’s fashion can sometimes feel overexposed: Fewer looks are being produced, and those that arrive simultaneously online, in editorials and advertising, and on the red carpet tend to garner more attention than anything else.—
Amanda Harlech,
Vogue,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Best Early Way Day Decor Deals Small decor pieces can transform any room from boring to homey.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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With phones and the internet, teens never have to be bored again.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulgarize. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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