CIVILIZED Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

civilized 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd

Definition of civilized

as in cultured

having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living a civilized older couple who are celebrated for holding dinner parties that are attended by the city's best and brightest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

civilized

2 of 2

verb

past tense of civilize

as in cultivated

Related Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of civilized

Adjective

Thanks to its distinctive shape, off-roading capabilities, and slightly more civilized interior, the SUV was a hit and would remain in production until 2016. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 At least in civilized society, which is what Screencaps Nation is all about. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Call of the Wild is a field study pitting the civilized against the atavistic. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Teddy Roosevelt exhorted a nation of effeminate, civilized men to sally forth into the wild and reclaim their natural vitality. — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civilized

Adjective

Too obviously the gift of someone trying to seem casually cultured?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
As the war wound down, Olivier was becoming more obsessed with directing, often counting on Leigh as his cultured, measured adviser.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of cultured

Verb

Eisenkot has cultivated a reputation for integrity, competence, and personal rectitude, forging relationships across Israel’s fractured political spectrum.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Smith, who previously worked at fashion house Loewe, sees an opportunity for technology to develop the same kind of recognizable identity that fashion brands have cultivated for decades.

— Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cultivated

Adjective

Beirut's private-press scene has little in common with the studio culture of ’80s Tokyo, where an abundance of resources and technology filtered the same foreign influences into something more perfect and polished.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
There are waterproof Sorel boots for rainy-day exploring, classic Adidas sneakers for casual outfits, and plenty of polished options, from slingback flats and ballet flats to easy slip-on loafers.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of polished

Adjective

Adebayo, 29, has spent his entire NBA career with the Heat since being drafted by the organization in 2017, establishing himself as one of the most productive and accomplished players in franchise history.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Aside from his work on screen, the Londoner is an accomplished poet whose work explores themes of masculinity, love, grief and connection.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplished

Browse Nearby Words

civilize

civilized

civilizes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civilized. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of civilized

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes