monopolize

verb

mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
Synonyms of monopolizenext

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
monopolize a conversation
monopolization
mə-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun
monopolizer
mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of monopolize in a Sentence

He's always monopolizing the conversation. The company has monopolized the market for computer operating systems. One group monopolized the camping area, taking almost all of the campsites.
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.
In his acceptance speech, viewed as a blueprint for a six-year tenure, Aoun vowed to monopolize weapons under the mandate of the state. — Mick Krever, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 Some fear that wealthy nations and corporations will monopolize AI, widening economic inequality. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 Through the clustering of talent, industry, and capital and the agglomeration economics that result, big coastal cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, DC, have monopolized innovation and its myriad benefits. — Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025 Building the Interface That Captures Market Share While model development becomes increasingly monopolized, a fascinating counter-trend is emerging - the race to build the most usable interface. — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monopolize

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Rhymes for monopolize

See All Rhymes for monopolize

Browse Nearby Words

monopolistic competition
monopolize
monopoloid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

monopolize

verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to acquire or have complete control over
always monopolizing the conversation
monopolization
-ˌnäp-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun
monopolizer
-ˈnäp-ə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

monopolize

transitive verb
mo·​nop·​o·​lize mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
monopolized; monopolizing
: to get a monopoly of
monopolize an industry
monopolization
-ˌnä-pə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce monopolize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monopolize

Nglish: Translation of monopolize for Spanish Speakers

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