civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
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.
This is a full-scale aggression by a deranged state against a civilized one. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 The Soviet leadership must find the wisdom to settle this case quickly in accordance with the dictates of simple human decency and of civilized national behavior. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Oct. 2024 The Romans liked to give the appearance of civilized rule by getting local thugs to do their dirty work. N.t. Wright, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024 The software will also not allow the passenger to pass through, forcing them to return to line and wait their turn, like civilized travelers. Karri Peifer, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civilized 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near civilized

Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on civilized

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