socialize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.
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to make socialistic; establish or regulate according to the theories of socialism.
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Education. to treat as a group activity.
to socialize spelling quizzes.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(intr) to behave in a friendly or sociable manner
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(tr) to prepare for life in society
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(tr) to alter or create so as to be in accordance with socialist principles, as by nationalization
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of socialize
Explanation
When you socialize, you participate in activities in a group setting. If you have been studying alone for some time, you might take a break at the coffee shop to socialize with some friends. You can socialize somebody else, or educate her in social patterns. Parents socialize their kids through their upbringing, and clubs often socialize their members through a uniform. If you want to hang out with motorcyclists, you might want to dress in leather. It is also possible to socialize institutions, where benefits are open to a wide section of society. If voters socialize medicine, that service becomes available to all at government expense.
Vocabulary lists containing socialize
"Curtis Aikens and the American Dream" and "Go For It!"
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"La Vida Robot" and "Reading, Writing and... Recreation"
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 5–February 11, 2022
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Socialize: To share an idea or proposal with key decisionmakers in order to solicit feedback and gain approval or buy-in to make a decision.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026
Socialize, even if that is the last thing you want to do.
From Slate • Jan. 28, 2024
Socialize and train them to live in a social setting.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2022
ShareThis also acquired Socialize, which provides social sharing for app developers.
From Forbes • Mar. 23, 2013
Stimulate your mind: Socialize actively, make new friends, try new activities, travel to new places and be passionate about learning new things.
From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2012
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.