civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

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
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.
The lighting is sufficient for patrons to take it all in, and the sound level, despite the size of the room, has been successfully brought down to a civilized level. John Mariani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Even a hearing on the proposal to arm school staff is equal parts passionate and civilized, as the majority gun-owning constituents don’t all agree that the Second Amendment should extend to the classroom. Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025 The civilized come wrapped in the colors of pure pink-white skin; the uncivilized bear the burdens of the night, mud and soil—brown to ebony skin. Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 Up against that, the Flexi Lite certainly feels more high-tech and civilized, and scoops up gunky messes that a regular mop would mainly distribute around the floor. New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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