civilized

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adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
Synonyms of civilizednext
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

civilized

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past tense and past participle of civilize

Synonyms of civilized

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Adjective

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Examples of civilized in a Sentence

Adjective A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
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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.
Adjective
At least in civilized society, which is what Screencaps Nation is all about. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Leave it in its normal mode and the SQ5 behaves like a civilized luxury crossover. — New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026 The car may be more civilized than its predecessors, but its mill is still expected to produce up to 900 hp and redline at 9,000 rpm. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026 Call of the Wild is a field study pitting the civilized against the atavistic. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

Phrases Containing civilized

Rhymes for civilized

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Browse Nearby Words

civilize
civilized
civilized world
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Cite this Entry

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

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