The bowdlerized version of the novel, while free of vulgarity, was also free of flavor.
Source: wiktionary
Bowdlerize
/ˈbaʊd.ləɹˌaɪz/
Synonyms for "bowdlerize" (62 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (13)
Verb(4 words)
Strong matches (18)
Related words (31)
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: expurgate, abbreviate, abridge, bleach, blot out.
- Sentence evidence is available for bowdlerize, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from wordnet, opengloss, moby, derived_reverse, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "bowdlerize".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "bowdlerize"
Keep "bowdlerize" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "bowdlerize" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "bowdlerize", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "bowdlerize" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
12 entriesMore specific
9 entriesVictorian censorshipexpurgate passagesexpurgated editionexpurgationomit controversial passagesomit offensive termsredact contentredact termstrim sections
Collocations
5 entriesbowdlerization of literaturebowdlerize a textbowdlerize the novelbowdlerized editionbowdlerizing passages
Inflections
3 entriesDerivations
3 entriesSample sentences
5 total sentences available.
Mr. Stanley decided to treat that as irrelevant. "There ought to be a Censorship of Books.[…]" Ogilvy pursued his own topic. "I'm inclined to think, Stanley, myself that as a matter of fact it was the expurgated 'Romeo and Juliet' did the mischief. […] All they left it was the moon and stars. And the balcony and 'My Romeo!'" "Shakespeare is altogether different from the modern stuff. Altogether different. I'm not discussing Shakespeare. I don't want to Bowdlerise Shakespeare.[…]"
Source: wiktionary
"Wadley sent a message: 'The President of the Zoological Institute presents his compliments to Professor Challenger, and would take it as a personal favor if he would do them the honour to come to their next meeting.' The answer was unprintable." "You don't say?" "Well, a bowdlerized version of it would run: 'Professor Challenger presents his compliments to the President of the Zoological Institute, and would take it as a personal favour if he would go to the devil.'"
Source: wiktionary
His critics take alarm only when it becomes apparent that he would bowdlerize Homer and exclude from his state the great tragedians.
Source: wiktionary
Showing 4 of 5 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "bowdlerize"?
Closest matches include expurgate, abbreviate, abridge, bleach, blot out.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "bowdlerize"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.