Definition of vulgarizenext
as in to popularize
to use so much as to make less appealing the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 vulgarize His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions. BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019 Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent. Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulgarize
Verb
  • Burke is also recognized for helping popularize the gesture in professional sports.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Why the Shot Ritual Isn’t the Point The shot format Kardashian helped popularize has no distinct research supporting it as a method.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Despite their best intentions, most parents cannot help but stereotype their infants by gender and begin treating boys and girls differently early on.
    Lise Eliot, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Latinos are a fundamental part of American history and culture, and one of the largest communities in the United States, yet their presence in Hollywood has long been limited, stereotyped, or overlooked.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But in science, they have been especially overused.
    Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Turning Up the Heat Too High Too Fast High heat has its place, but it is often overused.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And overexposed to real estate.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Valuations for the funds last month dropped to their lowest since 2022 amid concerns that the lenders may be overexposed to software businesses under threat from AI disruption.
    Olivia Fishlow, Bloomberg, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Zoë Kravitz recently reminded me that these everyday looks don’t need to be boring.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • How to bold text on iPhone Texting doesn’t have to be boring.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulgarize. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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