uncivilized

adjective

ˌən-ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce uncivilized (audio)
Definition of uncivilizednext
as in barbarian
not civilized unfairly branded as uncivilized by European explorers, they had created a culture that was actually quite advanced

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of uncivilized Under the Omanis, Zanzibar grew rich selling spices, ivory, and slaves, mostly non-Muslims from the interior, whom the island’s élites derided as washenzi, or uncivilized. — Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022 Forcing a woman to choose between jail and carrying her rapist's baby is uncivilized and medieval. — CNN, 27 June 2022 There is no doubt uncivilized — and sometimes violent — acts have taken place in school bathrooms. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2022 Sure, the song (apparently written about writer Quentin Crisp) is just about the alienating sense of being an outsider, of having people judge you for your accent or aspiring to civility in an uncivilized land. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for uncivilized
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncivilized
  1. barbarian
  2. rude
  3. savage
  4. wild
  5. primitive
  6. barbarous
  7. barbaric
Adjective
  • Language would have been a part of the divide between Roman and barbarian.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • For the design of the barbarian figure, Sweet reached out to Mark Taylor, an artist and designer at Mattel.
    — Sanat Pai RaikarAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
Definition of barbarian
Adjective
  • Then off to the highway with you, up a mountain hill, in full control and at one with this rude, loud, hot machine.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe your child or grandchild posted a rude comment in a group chat.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of rude
Adjective
  • The savage battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa had already demonstrated the ferocity with which Japanese forces would defend their homeland.
    — James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The lifestyle mogul made a savage comment about Meghan Markle in a cover story for PEOPLE on Wednesday, calling out her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of savage
Adjective
  • The Padres pulled into a tie with Philadelphia and Arizona for the third NL wild-card spot after winning their fourth straight game and 14th of 18.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • Some researchers have argued that LUCA was a complex cell with a primitive immune system to protect against viruses.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Porous feet deliver The researchers designed and 3D-printed three hemispherical TPMS variants—primitive, gyroid and diamond—and evaluated their mechanical properties through compression testing.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of primitive
Adjective
  • The chaos in Ithaca may be political and ethical—a violation of custom—but stretches of the poem are barbarous and wild, beyond civilized life altogether.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • Seeking to eliminate Berber forces in the barren mountains of northern Morocco, seven soldiers obediently follow their fanatical sergeant (Víctor Clavijo) into barbarous depths of depravity.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Definition of barbarous
Adjective
  • Ironically, the authority of doctors was supremely important to medieval people, even if the treatments seem barbaric and ineffective now.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • How could anyone do this dastardly, inhumane, barbaric escape?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of barbaric

Browse Nearby Words

uncivil
uncivilized
uncivilly
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Cite this Entry

“Uncivilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncivilized. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of uncivilized for Spanish Speakers

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