civilized

1 of 2

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

civilized

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of civilize

Synonyms of civilized

Adjective

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

Adjective

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For years, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has been portrayed as the civilized way to travel to and from San Diego. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The result, at least on opening day, felt considerably more civilized. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised
• capitalized