monopolize

verb

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

transitive verb

: to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
monopolize a conversation
monopolization noun
monopolizer noun

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.
Even so, in her exercise books Constance had listed details concerning the kind of boy who might monopolize her affections. Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 In April 2025, in a separate DOJ antitrust prosecution of Google, federal district court Judge Leonie Brinkema held that Google had illegally monopolized open-web advertising markets. Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 The recent weakness comes after a federal judge ruled that Alphabet’s Google illegally monopolized some online advertising technology markets, the latest example of an aggressive antitrust posture coming out of Washington. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025 Meta Platforms faces trial over allegations of illegally monopolizing social media by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. Jody Godoy, USA Today, 14 Apr. 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

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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 noun
monopolizer 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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on monopolize

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