evangelize

verb

evan·​ge·​lize i-ˈvan-jə-ˌlīz How to pronounce evangelize (audio)
evangelized; evangelizing

transitive verb

1
: to preach the gospel to
2
: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel
evangelization noun
evangelizer noun

Examples of evangelize in a Sentence

The missionaries set out to evangelize the world. They were evangelizing about the importance of saving energy.
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.
Partnering with industry insiders who can evangelize your product can be invaluable. Ram Nikhil Dodda, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The middle line of leadership is in the trenches working the day-to-day and has the greatest opportunity to evangelize the future state vision to drive productive change. Laurie Waligurski, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 These smaller but intensely loyal, engaged, and evangelizing communities can drive word-of-mouth buzz, offset marketing costs, and fuel a film’s success. Bing Chen, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 Part of its mission is to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith. CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evangelize

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evangelize was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Evangelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evangelize. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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