monopolize

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
monopolize a conversation
monopolization noun
monopolizer noun

Examples of monopolize in a Sentence

He's always monopolizing the conversation. The company has monopolized the market for computer operating systems. One group monopolized the camping area, taking almost all of the campsites.
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.
Google is facing antitrust cases, alleging the company to monopolize the marketplace and the general search services. Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In August, a federal judge ruled that Google had monopolized the online search engine market, concluding the Department of Justice’s anti-trust case against the tech giant. Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024 See 12 of Their Sweetest Couple Selfies Reynolds has also pulled back the curtain on their date-night conversations, revealing that the couple's nights out are often monopolized by one topic: their kids. Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Learn from experience, and don’t back down or give in to someone trying to monopolize your time. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for monopolize 

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near monopolize

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

monopolize

verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to acquire or have complete control over
always monopolizing the conversation
monopolization noun
monopolizer noun

Legal Definition

monopolize

transitive verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to get a monopoly of
monopolize an industry
monopolization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monopolize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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