politicize

verb

po·​lit·​i·​cize pə-ˈli-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce politicize (audio)
politicized; politicizing

transitive verb

: to give a political tone or character to
an attempt to politicize the civil service
politicization
pə-ˌli-tə-sə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce politicize (audio)
noun

Examples of politicize in a Sentence

They have politicized the budget process.
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.
While her successor, Markwayne Mullin, has worked to reverse some of the upheaval, Democrats are accusing Trump of politicizing disaster relief. — Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The Justice Department didn't respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on accusations that it is increasingly politicized. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 California officials have since continued pressing the administration for additional federal disaster assistance while accusing the White House of politicizing the recovery. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026 In a New York Times op-ed, Ellison stressed that the merger has been politicized, with the states primarily looking to stop him from owning CNN. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for politicize

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ize

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of politicize was in 1846

Rhymes for politicize

See All Rhymes for politicize

Browse Nearby Words

politicization
politicize
politick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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