decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
1
: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers
a decentralization of powers
specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities
the decentralization of the state's public school system
government decentralization
2
sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
decentralize verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Founding Fathers’ solution The founders’ initial solution to the concentration of military power was federalism and decentralization. Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 He’s opted for complete decentralization — of not just his finances, but his personal risk profile. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 7 June 2025 Southern lawmakers, in particular, fought for this decentralization. Zachary W. Schulz, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 The opinions of May 27, 1935, as Justice Brandeis told his acolytes, were victories for decentralization. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decentralization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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