civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms

• accomplished
• couth
• cultivated
• cultured
• genteel
• polished
• refined

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

There are plenty of Scots and Irish in Toronto, but the proceedings are somewhat more civilized, if not a bit Hollywood-twee, what with lapdogs decked out as Michael Keaton’s famous character. —Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

As America finally melts down under the New Founding Fathers’ murderous regime, our heroes must take refuge by escaping over the border to Mexico — to more civilized lands. —Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2024

And is it supposed that the wandering savage has a stronger attachment to his home than the settled, civilized Christian? —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024

There, Sofia is subjected to relentless amounts of torture, which makes the violence so far on The Penguin seem relatively civilized in comparison. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized