Synonyms

socialize

American

[soh-shuh-lahyz] / ˈsoʊ ʃəˌlaɪz /

especially British, socialise

verb (used with object)

to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.
to make socialistic; establish or regulate according to the theories of socialism.
Education. to treat as a group activity.

to socialize spelling quizzes.

verb (used without object)

to associate or mingle sociably with others.

to socialize with one's fellow workers.

socialize British

/ ˈsəʊʃəˌlaɪz /

verb

(intr) to behave in a friendly or sociable manner
(tr) to prepare for life in society
(tr) to alter or create so as to be in accordance with socialist principles, as by nationalization

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of socialize

First recorded in 1820–30; social + -ize

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing socialize

"Curtis Aikens and the American Dream" and "Go For It!"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"La Vida Robot" and "Reading, Writing and... Recreation"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 5–February 11, 2022

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

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.

Desperate to help her socialize, Bonnie’s parents weigh the costs of getting her a tablet, reluctantly adding one to their cart.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Twenty-somethings are drinking less, exercising more—and changing the way they socialize with others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

While tech giants have been laying off workers, they’ve also been investing heavily in technology that could disrupt how people work and socialize.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Consumers have cut back spending—thanks to higher prices, and a shift toward healthier habits and alternative ways to relax and socialize.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

She did not like us to socialize too much with the partying side of Daddy’s family.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023