verb
harmonize
HAH-muh-nyz
Harmonize (verb) means to make things agree or fit together smoothly. Example: “The new policy harmonizes safety rules across all EU countries.”
verb
1
To make things agree or fit together smoothly.
"The new policy harmonizes safety rules across all EU countries."
"They spent weeks trying to harmonize the two companies' accounting systems."
2
To sing or play notes that combine pleasingly with a melody.
"The backup singers harmonized beautifully with the lead vocal."
"He can harmonize on almost any song by ear."
How to use harmonize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bring things into agreement — used both for making rules/systems consistent and for singing matching notes.
UK vs US
British English also spells it "harmonise."
Common pairings
harmonize regulations
harmonize with
sing in harmony
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- harmonizes
- Past tense
- harmonized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new policy _____ safety rules across all EU countries.
Etymology
From French harmoniser, built on harmony plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.
Related words
Rhymes for harmonize
See all rhymes for harmonize →Frequently asked questions
What does “harmonize” mean?
The word “harmonize” means to make things agree or fit together smoothly. In plain terms, to bring things into agreement — used both for making rules/systems consistent and for singing matching notes.
How do you pronounce “harmonize”?
“Harmonize” is pronounced HAH-muh-nyz (/ˈhɑɹ.mə.naɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “harmonize” in a sentence?
Here is “harmonize” used in a sentence: “The new policy harmonizes safety rules across all EU countries.”
What part of speech is “harmonize”?
“Harmonize” is a verb.
Where does the word “harmonize” come from?
The word “harmonize” comes from French. From French harmoniser, built on harmony plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.
How many meanings does “harmonize” have?
“Harmonize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make things agree or fit together smoothly.
