Find Synonyms
urbanize Synonyms
Another word for urbanize
Choosing another word for urbanize depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To make or become urban in character; to develop a rural area into a town or city by building infrastructure, housing, and commercial centers.
Usage Example
"Rapid industrial growth helped citify the surrounding countryside over the course of two decades."
Strongest
citify
Strong
develop
build up
Weak
industrialize
• verb (Context 2)
To accustom a person or population to city life, customs, and social norms.
Usage Example
"Years of living in the capital had thoroughly urbanized the once-rural family."
Strongest
citify
Strong
cosmopolitanize
Weak
sophisticate
Opposites of urbanize
The opposite of urbanize shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
ruralize
deurbanize
rusticate
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Urbanize. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/urbanize