monopolize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “monopolize” mean?
to have, take, or keep complete control of something so that others are excluded.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to have, take, or keep complete control of something so that others are excluded
to dominate a conversation, activity, or resource to the exclusion of others; in economics, to possess exclusive control over a commodity or service in a particular market
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling: 'monopolise' is the standard British variant, though 'monopolize' is also widely accepted. 'Monopolize' is standard American.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in business/political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “monopolize” in a Sentence
[Subject] monopolizes [Object] (e.g., She monopolized the conversation.)[Subject] is monopolized by [Agent] (e.g., The market was monopolized by a single firm.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monopolize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The large chain sought to monopolise the high street, forcing independent shops to close.
- He has a tendency to monopolise any debate with his lengthy anecdotes.
American English
- The company was found guilty of trying to monopolize the telecommunications industry.
- At parties, she tends to monopolize the host, making it hard for others to chat with them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The regulator accused the tech giant of attempting to monopolize the online advertising market.
Academic
Early theories of capitalism warned about the tendency for capital to concentrate and monopolize industries.
Everyday
Please don't monopolise the TV remote all evening; others want to watch something too.
Technical
A pure monopoly exists when a single firm monopolizes 100% of market supply.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monopolize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monopolize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monopolize”
- Incorrect: 'He monopolized *on* the discussion.' (Correct: 'He monopolized the discussion.')
- Spelling: Using 'monopolise' in strict American English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. In economics, it's a neutral description of market structure. In social contexts, it usually has a negative connotation of being selfish or exclusionary.
'Monopolize' implies complete, often exclusive, control that prevents others from participating. 'Dominate' suggests being the most powerful or influential, but others may still have a role. You can dominate a conversation but still allow others brief comments; if you monopolize it, you don't let them speak at all.
Yes, commonly for intangible things like attention, conversation, time, or someone's affections (e.g., 'The new baby monopolized her parents' attention').
The noun is 'monopoly' (e.g., 'have a monopoly on'). The related noun for the action is 'monopolization' (US) / 'monopolisation' (UK).
to have, take, or keep complete control of something so that others are excluded.
Monopolize is usually formal to neutral in register.
Monopolize: in British English it is pronounced /məˈnɒpəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈnɑːpəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hog the limelight”
- “corner the market”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MONO (one) + POLIZE (like control) = control by one.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS OWNERSHIP; CONVERSATION IS A RESOURCE; ATTENTION IS A COMMODITY.
Practice
Quiz
In an economic context, what does it mean if a firm 'monopolizes' a market?