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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Civilization” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

A society with developed government, culture, and ways of living together organized in a complex way.

IPA: /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/Level: B1Register: formalPart of speech: noun

Meaning of Civilization

An advanced stage of human social and cultural development, or a society with its own culture, institutions, and way of life.

How to Pronounce Civilization

IPA: /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/ Stress: oooOo

Stress the fourth syllable with primary stress: siv-ul-i-ZAY-shun. The vowels in unstressed syllables become schwa sounds.

Full pronunciation guide for civilization →

4 Synonyms for Civilization — Words Similar to Civilization

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

society

/səˈsaɪəti/
noun B1

The people in a country or community who share rules, customs, and way of life together.

Example: In modern society, technology plays an essential role.

nation

/ˈneɪ.ʃən/
noun A2 Formal

A large group of people living in the same country with their own government.

Example: Brazil is a large nation in South America.

Smart Synonyms for Civilization — When to Use Each

culture

for customs, beliefs, and artistic achievements

society

for organized structure of people together

How to Use Civilization and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted for thousands of years. B1
  • The development of agriculture was crucial to the rise of civilization. B2
  • Modern civilization depends on advanced technology and cooperation. B1

Common Word Choice Mistakes with Civilization

Not natural: That civilization was developed agriculture.

Better: That civilization developed agriculture.

Do not use 'was developed' with 'civilization'; use simple past 'developed' instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Civilization

What is another word for "civilization"?

Common synonyms for "civilization" include: society, culture, nation, empire.

What can I say instead of "civilization"?

Try one of these alternatives: society, culture, nation, empire. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "civilization" formal or informal?

"civilization" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.

When should I use "civilization" instead of "society"?

Use "civilization" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "society" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

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