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Definition of suburbanize

suburbanize

/səˈbɜːrbənaɪz/
(UK: suburbanise)
sub · ur · ban · ize
Adjective:suburban
•
Past Simple:suburbanized
•
Past Participle:suburbanized
•
Present Participle:suburbanizing
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suburbanize Lexical Profile

suburbanize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To transform a rural area or city fringe into a residential suburb, or to become suburban in character, layout, or lifestyle.

Example

"The rapid expansion of the highway system helped suburbanize the surrounding farmland over two decades."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for suburbanize

• Nearby Words

suburbanite
suburbanity
suburbanization
suburbanize
suburbia
subversion
subversive

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'suburban' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'suburbanus', meaning 'near the city' (from 'sub-' meaning 'near' and 'urbs' meaning 'city').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Suburbanize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/suburbanize
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