CIVILIZED Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

civilized 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd

Definition of civilized

as in cultured

having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living a civilized older couple who are celebrated for holding dinner parties that are attended by the city's best and brightest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

civilized

2 of 2

verb

past tense of civilize

as in cultivated

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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 civilized

Adjective

Thanks to its distinctive shape, off-roading capabilities, and slightly more civilized interior, the SUV was a hit and would remain in production until 2016. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 At least in civilized society, which is what Screencaps Nation is all about. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Call of the Wild is a field study pitting the civilized against the atavistic. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Teddy Roosevelt exhorted a nation of effeminate, civilized men to sally forth into the wild and reclaim their natural vitality. — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilized

Adjective

Too obviously the gift of someone trying to seem casually cultured?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
As the war wound down, Olivier was becoming more obsessed with directing, often counting on Leigh as his cultured, measured adviser.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of cultured

Verb

Vance speaks with the manipulative skill of a politician who has cultivated a rapid-fire style designed not to persuade, but to overwhelm.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Porsche has cultivated an identity that extends well beyond the vehicles sitting in its dealerships.

— Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of cultivated

Adjective

The oval takes center stage in sculptural 14-karat yellow gold links, some polished to a high shine, others outlined in natural-diamond pavé.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
The shoes accented a simple and polished fall ensemble consisting of light green midi skirt, simple gray top and a dark button-down coat with a collar.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of polished

Adjective

Self is enthusiastic about adding the accomplished 24-year-old frontcourt player this late.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
An accomplished musician who has released albums as The One AM Radio, Hirway turned to podcasting after a bout of writer’s block, hoping to find a breakthrough in fellow musicians’ creative processes.

— Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplished

Browse Nearby Words

civilize

civilized

civilizes

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“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilized. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of civilized

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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