naturalize

verb

nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce naturalize (audio)
naturalized; naturalizing
Synonyms of naturalizenext

transitive verb

1
: to confer the rights of a national on
especially : to admit to citizenship
2
: to introduce into common use or into the vernacular
3
: to bring into conformity with nature
4
: to cause (something, such as a plant) to become established as if native

intransitive verb

: to become established as if native

Examples of naturalize in a Sentence

The government refused to naturalize them without documentation. naturalized citizens of the U.S. Several Asian fish have become naturalized in these lakes. Before you naturalize bulbs in your lawn, fertilize well. These daisies naturalize well in the Pacific Northwest.
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 was my first notice that Dad had been naturalized during the McCarthy Era. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 Those charges could lead to years in prison and thwart their efforts to naturalize. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 Many prospective citizens are now unable to participate in the midterm elections, as the lack of an approval even after completing all the steps to be naturalized has put their lives in limbo. — Alec Dent, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 The law was eventually replaced by a new law in 2001, which only requires one parent to become a citizen for the children to be naturalized. — Philip Wang, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for naturalize

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naturalize was in 1559

Rhymes for naturalize

See All Rhymes for naturalize

Browse Nearby Words

naturalization
naturalize
natural key
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Cite this Entry

“Naturalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

naturalize

verb
nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce naturalize (audio)
naturalized; naturalizing
1
: to introduce into common use
naturalize a foreign word
2
: to become or cause to become established as if native
naturalized weeds
3
: to give the rights and privileges of citizenship to
naturalize a foreign-born person

Legal Definition

naturalize

transitive verb
nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈna-chə-rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce naturalize (audio)
naturalized; naturalizing
: to admit (a person) to citizenship
naturalization
ˌna-chə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce naturalize (audio)
noun

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