civilize

Definition of civilizenext
as in to cultivate

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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 civilize These facts, in turn, were wielded as evidence for the need of a civilizing Christian influence. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 If Providence gave Americans the right to civilize a continent, why not the world? Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 Practically speaking, if your checklist is mostly phones and a CPAP, a mid-size electric battery station is civilized: quiet, indoor-safe and instantly useful. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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
  • Baby boomers—who currently occupy a significant share of managerial and executive roles—built their careers inside a workplace culture defined by formality, hierarchy, and personal relationships cultivated face-to-face.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Part of that is cultivating an environment for kids to be part of something bigger than themselves.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Land to farm and urbanize Another concern for foreign investors: the obstacles to acquiring land for urban development.
    Sarah Moreno Updated March 24, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
  • If appropriate action is not taken, economic growth in urbanizing cities will continue to happen at the cost of the less fortunate.
    Chloe Wong, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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