Find Synonyms

colonize Synonyms

Another word for colonize

Choosing another word for colonize depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To send settlers to a place and establish political control over it.

Usage Example

"Several European powers sought to settle territories across the Americas during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries."

Strongest
settle
Strong
occupy
subjugate
annex

• verb (Context 2)

To establish itself in a new habitat or host environment (of a plant, animal, or microorganism).

Usage Example

"Lichens and mosses are often the first organisms to populate bare volcanic rock after an eruption."

Strong
populate
inhabit
Weak
peopled

Opposites of colonize

The opposite of colonize shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

decolonize
liberate
emancipate
abandon
desert
See all opposites of colonize

• Nearby Words

colonic
colonist
colonization
colonize
colonizer
colonnade
colonnaded

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Colonize. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/colonize
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