COLONIZE Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

colonize

verb

ˈkä-lə-ˌnīz

Definition of colonize

as in to inhabit

to supply with inhabitants believes that someday humans will be sent to colonize Mars

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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 colonize The Caribbean island nation of around 159,000 was colonized by the Dutch in the 1600s and became a hub for the Atlantic slave trade. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 In the late 17th century, France had colonized the western third of Hispaniola, the island that Haiti now shares with the Dominican Republic. — Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 Leather Fringe Long before America was colonized, Indigenous tribes like the Lakota and Shoshone in the Great Plains region sewed deerskin fringe trim on their garments. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026 The film also uncovers documentation of how the white settlers, with the implicit accord of the Canadian government, murdered thousands of Nuxalk in 1862 with the smallpox virus and colonized the land. — Carole Horst, Variety, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for colonize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonize

Verb

An early career launched without shortcuts, with small roles in TV series and B movies until his major success as the star of the series ER, formed an actor who is able to inhabit the screen with disarming spontaneity.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026
These three deities are thought to be personifications of the Dao who inhabit the highest realms of the Daoist cosmos, far from the dust of day-to-day life.

— Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Definition of inhabit

Verb

According to the complaint, the system automatically populated driver's license numbers when someone entered basic identifying information, such as a person's name and address.

— Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Both are high-traffic areas near the Mall sure to be populated by many fireworks-seeking tourists this weekend.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Definition of populate

Verb

Today, this part of the South Side seems to be almost entirely peopled by Black families.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Ishaq has made a film peopled with women and boys who go beyond simple archetypes, setting joyful female solidarity against omnipresent conflict in a way designed to communicate with a broad demographic.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 May 2026

Definition of people

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colonists

colonize

colonized

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“Colonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of colonize

verb

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