popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
popularization noun
popularizer noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud. The book presents a popularized version of American history.
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.
Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Films has, obviously, helped popularize the appeal of scare-mongering movies. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025 Occupational exoskeletons for healthcare professionals are an emerging trend, and only time will tell if this is a golden application similar to spreadsheets and gaming for popularizing personal computers. Borislav "bobby" Marinov, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 The Ghanaian musician helped popularize highlife, a dance music that emerged in the first part of the 20th century, blending local rhythms and musical traditions with Western instrumentation and melodies. David Peisner, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Lynch, who helped popularize surrealism in TV and film, has died. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for popularize 

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near popularize

Cite this Entry

“Popularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

popularize

verb
pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
: to make popular
popularization noun
popularizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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