civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms

• accomplished
• couth
• cultivated
• cultured
• genteel
• polished
• refined

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

By contrast, the recent behavior of the rebels who have just conquered Syria looks reassuringly civilized. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024

The United States is a civilized country with strong democratic institutions. —Steven A. Harvey, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024

Even then, civilized societies understood that certain people could not function as adults and would require the lifelong supervision by another. —Eugene R. Schnitzler, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024

There are plenty of Scots and Irish in Toronto, but the proceedings are somewhat more civilized, if not a bit Hollywood-twee, what with lapdogs decked out as Michael Keaton’s famous character. —Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized