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Synonyms

socialize

American  
[soh-shuh-lahyz] / ˈsoʊ ʃəˌlaɪz /
especially British, socialise

verb (used with object)

socialized, socializing
  1. to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.

  2. to make socialistic; establish or regulate according to the theories of socialism.

  3. Education. to treat as a group activity.

    to socialize spelling quizzes.


verb (used without object)

socialized, socializing
  1. to associate or mingle sociably with others.

    to socialize with one's fellow workers.

socialize British  
/ ˈsəʊʃəˌlaɪz /

verb

  1. (intr) to behave in a friendly or sociable manner

  2. (tr) to prepare for life in society

  3. (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

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing socialize

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