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
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
The Founding Fathers wanted to civilize a country made up of institutional racists, rabid misogynists and bible-thumping Christians who soon added myths of manly gunslingers and stalwart pioneers to the cultural identity.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
Black religions, like Vodou and Santería, became key targets in this civilizing mission, demonized as pagan, savage, and dangerous.
—Aisha M. Beliso-De Jesús / Made By History, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Parking is torturous enough through the Melrose corridor on the weekdays, plus giving a restaurant staff off on Saturday and Sunday seems boldly civilized.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
The Founding Fathers wanted to civilize a country made up of institutional racists, rabid misogynists and bible-thumping Christians who soon added myths of manly gunslingers and stalwart pioneers to the cultural identity.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
Black religions, like Vodou and Santería, became key targets in this civilizing mission, demonized as pagan, savage, and dangerous.
—Aisha M. Beliso-De Jesús / Made By History, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Parking is torturous enough through the Melrose corridor on the weekdays, plus giving a restaurant staff off on Saturday and Sunday seems boldly civilized.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for civilize
Cite this Entry
“Civilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share