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.
Exile away from the rest of the civilized federation. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 Two highly modern, eminently civilized nations were plunged into chaos. Kelly McKinney, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025 To someone from a hardscrabble life, Hartford seemed so posh and civilized to him. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 Named after the celebrated chef who was an inspiration for the Pixar movie Ratatouille, this supremely civilized hotel is today owned and managed by Loiseau’s family. Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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