centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce centralize (audio)
centralized; centralizing
Synonyms of centralizenext

intransitive verb

: to form a center : cluster around a center

transitive verb

1
: to bring to a center : consolidate
centralize all the data in one file
2
: to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization
centralized several functions in a single agency
centralization
ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce centralize (audio)
noun
centralizer
ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce centralize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of centralize

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Examples of centralize in a Sentence

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office. The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet centralizing sensitive histories from multiple hospitals creates an attractive intelligence target. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The change will centralize corporate leadership at Choctaw Stadium in suburban Dallas, where a portion of the company’s workforce has been based since 2020, Six Flags said Tuesday. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 The full council, meanwhile, has agreed to review its relationship with LAHSA and the county, and to study creating a new department to centralize homelessness oversight. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Other leagues are increasingly discussing centralizing their local media rights sales, with the possibility of bundling them together on a streaming service such as Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, ESPN, or YouTube. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centralize

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centralize was in 1795

Rhymes for centralize

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Browse Nearby Words

centralization
centralize
centralizer
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Cite this Entry

“Centralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centralize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

centralize

verb
cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz How to pronounce centralize (audio)
centralized; centralizing
: to bring to a central point or under a single control
centralization
ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce centralize (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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