Definition of vulgarizenext
as in to popularize
to use so much as to make less appealing the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 vulgarize His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions. — BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
  • But to be clear, Zucker and his company didn’t invent, or even popularize, breaking.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • TomTom Another granddaddy in the mapping world, TomTom helped popularize GPS route mapping with the 2004 release of its TomTom GO, which the Dutch company says was the world’s first all-in-one portable satellite navigation device.
    — Kelvin Chan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Despite being more prevalent now than ever, Chinese cuisine is still at times stereotyped or devalued.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This phenomenon was most prominently displayed after George Floyd's death in 2020, when police officers were stereotyped across the country and the Black murder rate saw a 2,500-victim increase from the year before.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There are a handful of very effective jump scares, especially early on, but Cregger wisely doesn’t overuse them.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • But 1984 is continuously overused by fans as evidence of what the program can achieve.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Imai had pitched twice in the previous 19 days, occupying a roster spot while leaving his fellow relievers overexposed.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While some use leverage strategically, many are overexposed, risking severe losses when markets inevitably correct, proving even good ideas can fail without surviving volatility.
    — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Featuring a sleek black column skirt and minimalist stilettos, the look, while pared-back, was far from boring thanks to a creamy sleeveless top with a voluminous feather-like hem.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The face of it is teenagers who are rebellious, bored by school (often for good reason), and beyond parent control.
    — Kalman Hettleman, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster