Definition of vulgarizenext
as in to popularize
to use so much as to make less appealing the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 vulgarize His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions. BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019 Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent. Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
  • In 1952, Marilyn Monroe first wore jeans onscreen, helping popularize them for American women.
    Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, Meta's WhatsApp has 500 million people in India using its messaging services, but is struggling to popularize its payment tool, WhatsApp Pay, in the country's hyper-competitive digital payments space.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Along with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the foundation also partners with schools and community institutions to educate the challenging effects of stereotyping, unconscious bias, and representation imbalance of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and persons with disabilities.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 21 June 2026
  • Brousson jokingly stereotyped the Waffle House staffers as having active warrants, picking their nose with the spatulas and smoking cigarettes while battling third-degree grease burns.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
  • Although the word ‘hero’ is greatly overused in today’s society, in my mind, Calvin Duncan is a hero in the truest sense of that word.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • At 3x, the Razr+'s image processing tried to save the shot by overexposing the dish, but unfortunately, my dinner just looks like an inedible oil painting with a glossy sheen.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • They can get dehydrated and overexposed to the sun and are unable to cool down.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Barbara Groom was in her late 30s, working as a successful pharmacist and bored out of her mind.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • For anyone bored by the shallow thinking of podcasts, here are real depths.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulgarize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster