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.
Blending Islamic and secular visions for the new nation, the five pillars are a belief in God, civilized humanity, national unity, democracy, and social justice for all. Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 Far removed from and entirely without protection of the courts of civilized life, these fortune-seekers made laws to meet their varying emergencies. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025 The education of a nation’s citizenry, whether public or private, is the heartbeat of any sustaining and civilized culture. Patricia A. Daniel, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025 What started as a civilized, postwork affair with a sushi station escalated for many of the guests as more and more martinis were drunk from Madeline’s martini bar. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Mar. 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 15 May. 2025.

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