evangelize

verb

evan·​ge·​lize i-ˈvan-jə-ˌlīz How to pronounce evangelize (audio)
evangelized; evangelizing

transitive verb

1
: to preach the gospel to
2
: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel
evangelization noun
evangelizer noun

Examples of evangelize in a Sentence

The missionaries set out to evangelize the world. They were evangelizing about the importance of saving energy.
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.
Direct sales teams will evangelize to the largest enterprises. Calum Chace, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Both founders treat selling a product like evangelizing a faith. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025 Basketball was created from scratch a mere 60 miles from Concord as an evangelizing tool by a young Christian gym teacher named James Naismith. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 The largest tech firms have all been evangelizing about the cost-saving power of AI. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for evangelize

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evangelize was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Evangelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evangelize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on evangelize

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