as in cultured
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living
a civilized older couple who are celebrated for holding dinner parties that are attended by the city's best and brightest
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Recent Examples of civilized
Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Libraries are among the most democratic institutions a civilized society has ever devised.
—James Porter, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
One does detect in Iran hawks a kind of 'will to destruction' and hatred of boring, civilized diplomacy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilized
Adjective
For him, in becoming photosynthetic, civilized beings would only gain in hallmarks of intelligence, like autonomy and compassion, given that a species living off starlight converts energy to work without the messy, immoral mediation of a food chain.
—Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Libraries are among the most democratic institutions a civilized society has ever devised.
—James Porter, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
One does detect in Iran hawks a kind of 'will to destruction' and hatred of boring, civilized diplomacy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilized
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilized
Adjective
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The durable cultured marble top holds two ceramic undermount sinks.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
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In short, for the first time Tavira will be in the sights of the cultured, high-end traveler who at last has somewhere to lay their (well coiffured) head.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s the fervid fanbase, cultivated through digital platforms and in-person events that encourage fan participation.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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The park over the years also cultivated a sizable community of unhoused people, who got their own free music festival in 2023.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The result will leave strands looking glossy and polished.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
3 May 2026
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Poured terrazzo floors and rich hardwood run throughout, punctuated by polished concrete and expert millwork.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Combining the elements of compelling camera composition and movement in continuous close ups as well as beautifully accomplished technocrane work fully exploring the film’s characters emotional journey through joy and crisis was powerful.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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Four accomplished leaders in the fields of retail, apparel, entertainment and technology were honored Thursday at the 48th Annual Outstanding Mother Awards.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilized. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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