popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
Synonyms of popularizenext

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
a sitcom that popularized the phrase
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
a popularized version of American history
popularization
ˌpä-pyə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce popularize (audio)
noun
popularizer
ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrī-zər How to pronounce popularize (audio)
noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud. The book presents a popularized version of American history.
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.
With her ends flipped and her top layers curled and hairsprayed in place, the aesthetic harked back to the poodle bob trend popularized in the 1940s. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 In 1952, Marilyn Monroe first wore jeans onscreen, helping popularize them for American women. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026 The former is a structured trapezoidal purse that was renamed the Kelly bag in 1977, after American actress Grace Kelly, who popularized the item. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 Macchio’s other song picks all have references to religion or deities, whereas the Cohen song is entirely secular in nature, despite the connotations that have been placed on it by some performers as it has become popularized in recent years. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for popularize

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

Rhymes for popularize

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Browse Nearby Words

popularization
popularize
popularly
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Cite this Entry

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

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