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

2 of 2

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
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas The next big surprise is how civilized the Charger has become. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026 On pavement, the 4Runner was comfortable and surprisingly civilized considering the serious off-road hardware underneath it. — Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026 For years, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has been portrayed as the civilized way to travel to and from San Diego. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 The result, at least on opening day, felt considerably more civilized. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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