politicize

1 of 2

verb

po·​lit·​i·​cize pə-ˈli-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce politicize (audio)
politicized; politicizing

transitive verb

: to give a political tone or character to
an attempt to politicize the civil service
politicization
pə-ˌli-tə-sə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce politicize (audio)
noun

politicization

2 of 2

noun

po·​lit·​i·​ci·​za·​tion pəˌlitə̇sə̇ˈzāshən How to pronounce politicization (audio)
plural -s
: the act or process of politicizing
the politicization of art is typical of totalitarian tyranny—B. W. Garfield

Examples of politicize in a Sentence

Verb They have politicized the budget process.
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.
Verb
The difference now, of course, is that terrorism is enshrined within the legal system in a way where it’s been politicized to an extent that has never been done before. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 The state’s top Democrats accused the president of politicizing disaster relief. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026 Madrid’s conservative mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida accused Sánchez of politicizing Maricarmen’s death. — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 One woman who has attended more recently says Simmons over-politicizes decisions to help her political ambitions. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for politicize

Word History

Etymology

Verb

politic or politic(s) + -ize

First Known Use

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of politicize was in 1846

Rhymes for politicize

See All Rhymes for politicize

Browse Nearby Words

politicization
politicize
politick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Politicize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politicize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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