centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

intransitive verb

: to form a center : cluster around a center

transitive verb

1

: to bring to a center : consolidate

centralize all the data in one file

2

: to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization

centralized several functions in a single agency

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

centralizer

ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of centralize

• consolidate
• concentrate
• integrate

Examples of centralize in a Sentence

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office.

The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Foreign counterparts have confidence that Gulf countries will implement their side of any bargain because political power is centralized enough for leaders to ensure that state bureaucracies follow through. — Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

This likely will be the only season that viewers will be able to watch most Heat games on WPLG, presuming the NBA goes ahead with plans to centralize teams’ local rights and sell them to a national streamer next season. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Kim also wants to centralize authority over health insurance programs within the department and is proposing a plan to guarantee healthcare for every child in California — two ideas that would need extensive legislative authority. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Other services offered by PaperAirplane include The Tower, a group sales management platform that centralizes communication, streamlines lead management, and provides real-time visibility into group sales activity. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for centralize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

centralize

verb

cen·​tral·​ize ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

centralized; centralizing

: to bring to a central point or under a single control

centralization

ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun