bastardize

verb

bas·​tard·​ize ˈba-stər-ˌdīz How to pronounce bastardize (audio)
bastardized; bastardizing
Synonyms of bastardizenext

transitive verb

1
: to reduce from a higher to a lower state or condition : debase
2
: to declare or prove to be a bastard
3
: to modify especially by introducing discordant or disparate elements
bastardization
ˌba-stər-də-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce bastardize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of bastardize

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Examples of bastardize in a Sentence

It's a shame to see how Hollywood has bastardized the novel. The restaurant serves a bastardized version of the classic French dish.
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.
Our ideals have been bastardized. — William Mersey, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 In both, to bastardize a saying, the play’s the thing. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Nov. 2025 But, like all good things, it has been bastardized to the point of not being worth your time. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 These white people in blackface entertained the masses with stereotypes of Blackness, bastardizing the Black identity in the process. — Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 4 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for bastardize

Word History

Etymology

bastard entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bastardize was in 1585

Rhymes for bastardize

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Browse Nearby Words

bastardization
bastardize
bastardized
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Cite this Entry

“Bastardize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bastardize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bastardize

Nglish: Translation of bastardize for Spanish Speakers

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