Synonyms for

Civilized

Verb / ˈsɪvʌˌlaɪzd / Another word for civilized — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having an advanced or humane culture, society, etc.

Synonyms & similar words

civilise civilize polite cultured educate school genteel cultivate noncivilized train cultivated civilised cultured developed refined polite courteous well-mannered civil sophisticated enlightened urbane polished decent gentle gracious respectable educated sensible tolerant humane progressive

Synonyms by register

Formal

cultured enlightened sophisticated advanced

Informal

polite well-mannered refined

Literary

urbane polished

Antonyms

barbaric savage uncivilized primitive wild brutal rude

Common collocations

  • civilized society
  • civilized world
  • civilized behavior
  • civilized manner
  • civilized person
  • civilized nation
  • civilized life

Word family

noun civilization
adjective civilized
adverb civilizedly

Usage note

Often used to contrast with 'savage' or 'barbaric'. Can sometimes carry a subtly ethnocentric or colonial connotation, implying one culture is superior to another.

Example sentences

  1. The ancient Greeks were a very civilized people.
  2. It's important to be civilized when you're in public.
  3. Being polite and respectful is part of being civilized.
  4. We need to work together to create a more civilized world.
  5. The people in this country are very civilized and friendly.

Quotes

  • "The measure of a truly civilized society is how it treats its most vulnerable members."
  • "Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men."
  • "A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity."

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