centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

intransitive verb

: to form a center : cluster around a center

transitive verb

1

: to bring to a center : consolidate

centralize all the data in one file

2

: to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization

centralized several functions in a single agency

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

centralizer

ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• center
• compact
• concenter
• concentrate
• consolidate
• polarize
• unify
• unite

Examples of centralize in a Sentence

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office.

The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.

Recent Examples on the Web

For many cis-gender, heterosexual women who grew up reading pony stories, Tolkien fantasy, or 1980s bodice rippers, this scene is also indicative of a fundamental cultural shift that centralizes women’s autonomy. —Rebecca Scofield / Made By History, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025

The best approach is to centralize documents and knowledge where possible, tying sources of information from every department to a centralized knowledge base. —Ravikiran Dharmavaram, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

One of the biggest changes in the last few years has been centralizing the program for the country’s best talents at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

His New Deal bureaucracy centralized vast powers in the executive branch. —Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

: to bring to a central point or under a single control

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun