Definition of vulgarizenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
  • Many historians believe American soldiers encountered french fries in Belgium during World War I, where French was widely spoken, helping popularize the name.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • Since the early ’80s, Blade has done more than any other radio host in Southern California to popularize new wave rock in Southern California.
    Peter Larsen, Daily News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Along with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the foundation also partners with schools and community institutions to educate the challenging effects of stereotyping, unconscious bias, and representation imbalance of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and persons with disabilities.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 21 June 2026
  • Brousson jokingly stereotyped the Waffle House staffers as having active warrants, picking their nose with the spatulas and smoking cigarettes while battling third-degree grease burns.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
  • Although the word ‘hero’ is greatly overused in today’s society, in my mind, Calvin Duncan is a hero in the truest sense of that word.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • At 3x, the Razr+'s image processing tried to save the shot by overexposing the dish, but unfortunately, my dinner just looks like an inedible oil painting with a glossy sheen.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • They can get dehydrated and overexposed to the sun and are unable to cool down.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Further on down the tunnel, a work crew of contractors stood atop a flatbed car, wielding long drills and boring into the side of the tunnel.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
  • Sure, this manicure is neutral, but don’t mistake it for boring.
    Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulgarize. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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