What does "canonize" mean?
To declare (a deceased person) as a saint, and enter them into the canon of saints.
Canonize
/ˈkænənaɪz/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To declare (a deceased person) as a saint, and enter them into the canon of saints.
- Grammar: canonize is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: aggrandize, apotheose, apotheosize, authorize.
- Useful contrasts: decanonicalize, decanonize, desecrate.
- Usage evidence: Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173.
How to use "canonize"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "canonize" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "canonize" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "canonize" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "canonize" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "canonize" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aggrandize" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "canonize", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To declare (a deceased person) as a saint, and enter them into the canon of saints. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
"Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173."
- 2 declare (a dead person) to be a saint wordnet
- 3 To regard as a saint; to glorify, to exalt to the highest honour. British, English, Oxford, US, figuratively, transitive
"She is a theame of honour and renowne, / A ſpurre to valiant and magnanimous deeds, / Whoſe preſent courage may beate downe our foes, / And fame in time to come canonize us, [...]"
- 4 treat as a sacred person wordnet
- 5 To formally declare (a piece of religious writing) to be part of the biblical canon. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
"Yet becauſe there are Two Pretences made; One, that elſewhere he Canonizeth all the reſt of the Conteſted Books; and another, that in this place he detracteth nothing in that behalf from the Books of the Maccabes, we will clear the way before us, and anſwer them both."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To regard (an artistic or written work or its creator) as one of a group that are representative of a particular field. British, English, Oxford, US, broadly, transitive
"To these errors the Middle Ages contributed not a little by canonizing all the ancient authorities so that when modern historical criticism came into vogue the reaction against authority went too far and skepticism overleaped the mark."
- 7 Especially of a church: to give official approval to; to authorize, to sanction. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
"He ſhews, the Legate's Drift was to Canonize all the Abuſes of the Court of Rome: ſo they never ſuffer'd them to be treated of freely, but managed them like the Compounding of a Law-Suit: [...]"
Example
"Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "canonize"?
Common synonyms include: aggrandize, apotheose, apotheosize, authorize, beatifies, beatify.
How do you use "canonize" in a sentence?
Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173.
How do you pronounce "canonize"?
Pronounced /ˈkænənaɪz/.
Etymology
From Late Middle English canonizen (“to declare as a saint; to appoint to an ecclesiastical office”), from Old French canonisier (modern French canoniser (“to canonize”)), or from its etymon Medieval Latin, Late Latin canōnizāre, the present active infinitive of Latin canōnizō (“to recognize as a saint, canonize; to declare as authoritative or official”), from Latin canōn (“measuring line; (figurative) precept, rule, canon; authorized catalogue”) + -izō (suffix forming verbs). The English word is analysable as canon (“general principle, rule; authoritative group of works; catalogue of saints canonized in the Roman Catholic Church”) + -ize.