civilized
adjective
civ·i·lized
ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially
: characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint
Examples of civilized in a Sentence
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
This is far, far beneath the dignity of a civilized society.
—
Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Honoring and showing gratitude to those who step up to help others regardless of their origins is one sign of a civilized society that recognizes the worth of all human beings.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
In Families Like Ours, the slowly rising North Sea forces Denmark to follow Holland’s example and—in an orderly and civilized manner—evacuate the entire country.
—Air Mail, 21 June 2025
In civilized countries, law enforcement officers wear nametags and numbered badges.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
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.
Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Honoring and showing gratitude to those who step up to help others regardless of their origins is one sign of a civilized society that recognizes the worth of all human beings.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
In Families Like Ours, the slowly rising North Sea forces Denmark to follow Holland’s example and—in an orderly and civilized manner—evacuate the entire country.
—Air Mail, 21 June 2025
In civilized countries, law enforcement officers wear nametags and numbered badges.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
Cite this Entry
“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share