crystallize

verb

crys·​tal·​lize ˈkri-stə-ˌlīz How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
variants or less commonly crystalize
crystallized; crystallizing
Synonyms of crystallizenext

transitive verb

1
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
2
: to cause to take a definite form
tried to crystallize his thoughts
3
: to coat with crystals especially of sugar
crystallize grapes

intransitive verb

: to become crystallized
crystallizable
ˈkri-stə-ˌlī-zə-bəl, 
ˌkri-stə-ˈlī- How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
adjective
crystallization
ˌkri-stə-li-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
noun
crystallizer noun

Synonyms of crystallize

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Examples of crystallize in a Sentence

Eventually the paint will start to crystallize. Certain conditions can cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds. Certain conditions can crystallize carbon into diamonds. The final paragraph of the essay crystallizes her theory. He tried to crystallize his thoughts. Her theory crystallizes in the final paragraph of the essay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When moving in an inert, neutralizing background, a gas of electrons tend to crystallize at low densities as their potential energy is more dominant than their kinetic energy. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 But the moment that crystallized the problem was personal, not professional. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 That number crystallizes a truth that has been apparent for a while now — SpaceX is not just a launch company anymore. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Honey from certain plants, such as black locust acacia, for instance, is slower to crystallize than other plants. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for crystallize

Word History

Etymology

crystal entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystallize was in 1600

Rhymes for crystallize

See All Rhymes for crystallize

Browse Nearby Words

crystallizable
crystallize
crystallizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crystallize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystallize. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crystallize

verb
crys·​tal·​lize ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
crystallized; crystallizing
1
a
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
b
: to become crystallized
2
: to take or cause to take definite form
the plan crystallized slowly
crystallization
ˌkris-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

crystallize

verb
crys·​tal·​lize
variants also crystalize also British crystallise or crystalise
ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
crystallized also crystallized also British crystallised or crystallised; crystallizing also crystallizing also British crystallising or crystallising

transitive verb

: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
especially : to cause to form perfect or large crystals

intransitive verb

: to become crystallized
—often used with out
the solid crystallized out
crystallizable
-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on crystallize

Nglish: Translation of crystallize for Spanish Speakers

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