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 Will superhero fatigue finally prove fatal to the genre that has monopolized the attention economy for two decades? Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Activision Blizzard is facing a lawsuit accusing it of monopolizing the market for Call of Duty leagues and tournaments. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 In this context, the presence of a legal cannabis market would significantly improve the chances of cracking down on the illicit market, which currently monopolizes cannabis sales in the country. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 As reported by Reuters, a federal judge ruled in Apple’s favor and dismissed an antitrust lawsuit that claimed that Apple had illegally monopolized the United States market on heart rate apps for the Apple Watch. AliveCor, a medical device and AI company, filed the lawsuit in 2021. Adrienne So, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2024 The top five is the same, with No. 1 Connecticut and No. 2 Purdue continuing to monopolize the first-place votes. USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 But don’t let the Academy Awards monopolize all your attention: in the lead up to the ceremony, there are numerous smaller film industry galas that pack solid fashion punch; this month’s Palm Springs International Film Festival, and last night’s Governor Awards, are but two examples. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2024 Advertisement The subtext is that by monopolizing America’s resources, the powerful seniors’ lobby is depriving our children of sustenance and adequate healthcare. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 The Senate’s cannabis subcommittee considered two bills for establishing a legal framework for sales, both pitched as ways to prevent big business from monopolizing the market. Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 28 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monopolize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monopolize was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near monopolize

Cite this Entry

“Monopolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monopolize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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