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.
The vertical scrolling format popularized by companies like Webtoon is inherently mobile-friendly and aligns with changing consumption habits among younger demographics who increasingly consume content on smartphones. Damion Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 That 2010s optimism continued past the 2016 election, when Hollywood’s A-list coalesced around preventing Trump from taking office, appeared at protests, and, most famously, popularized the Me Too movement. Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 The parenting style popularized by Millennials has received criticism from older generations who argue parents are too permissive with their children. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 Islanders coach and Hall-of-Fame netminder Patrick Roy became an innovator in Colorado by popularizing the trend of pulling his goalie early, but this seemed unconventional even for him. Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 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

Cite this Entry

“Popularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularize. Accessed 31 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on popularize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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