customize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'customize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'customize' when you are referring to the process of making something more suitable to you, or when you are talking about adapting something to suit a person's own needs. For example: "We can customize the product to fit your exact requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, what's with Jones Soda allowing customers to upload artwork and customize their own labels?

The New Yorker

A UCLA anthropologist notes that Chicanos customize their cars in precisely the opposite ways that Anglo-American car customizers favor--the jacked-up rear-ends, the engines designed for high speed.

The New Yorker

Similarly, in 2015 researchers who had developed technologies for gene editing, which enabled scientists to customize an organism's genetic makeup by altering specific bases in its DNA sequence, called for a moratorium on the application of the technologies in humans.

Britannica

In the mid-1990s, Nicoined Negroponthecoined termthem "the Daily Me" to describe the interface with which end users would receive, customize, and manipulate information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gene editing, based on a technology known as CRISPR-Cas9, allows researchers to customize a living organism's genetic sequence by making very specific changes to its DNA.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sequel was released by Valve in 2013 after spending two years in beta with a free-to-play business model - instead of charging to unlock characters or weapons, purely comestic items are sold to customize players' avatars.

Independent

"You will choose a boyfriend [or girlfriend] from our extensive library, customize his personality to your tastes, and decide how you will interact," the website says.

Independent

They work with Oakley's array of lenses for changing light, the ear grips stay fast no matter how much you sweat and they come with nose pad options so you can customize them to your face.

Independent

Working with human editors, Paper will curate various sections (including sport, food, science and photography) whilst also allowing users to customize their own feed.

Independent

The Cantina Power Bowl, which is basically Taco Bell's take on Chipotle's burrito bowl, is easy to customize to your nutritional desires.

Independent

Customize your room Yes it may only be eight square feet, and yes it may already have a poster on the wall, but why not take the time without distraction to decorate?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of making something unique to an individual's requirements, use "customize" to clearly convey that personalization is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "customize" when simple adjustments are sufficient. "Adjust" or "modify" may be more appropriate if the changes don't involve personalization.

Linguistic Context

The word "customize" primarily functions as a transitive verb. It describes the action of modifying something to suit a particular individual or purpose. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

44%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "customize" is a frequently used verb meaning to modify something to suit individual requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure the changes you are describing truly involve personalization, and don't use "customize" when simpler terms like "adjust" or "modify" suffice. Consider the alternative phrases, such as "tailor" and "adapt", for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tailor

Implies adapting something to fit a specific need or desire, often with a personal touch.

adapt

Focuses on making something suitable for a new purpose or condition.

modify

Suggests making changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable.

personalize

Emphasizes making something reflect individual preferences or characteristics.

adjust

Indicates making small changes to achieve a better fit or result.

alter

Implies making a change to the characteristics or qualities of something.

bespoke

Describes something made to order, often implying high quality and craftsmanship.

fine-tune

Suggests making very small adjustments to optimize performance.

calibrate

Focuses on adjusting something to a precise standard or measurement.

shape

Suggests forming or molding something to a desired form.

FAQs

How can I use "customize" in a sentence?

You can use "customize" to describe the process of modifying something to suit individual needs or preferences. For example, "You can "tailor" the settings to your liking."

What is a synonym for "customize"?

Synonyms for "customize" include "personalize", "modify", and "adapt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "customize" and "personalize"?

"Customize" generally refers to making changes to meet specific requirements, while "personalize" often implies making something reflect individual tastes or preferences. However, the terms can overlap in meaning.

When should I use "customize" versus other similar verbs?

Use "customize" when you want to emphasize that something is being modified to be unique to a particular user or application. If the changes are more general, consider using verbs like "adjust" or "modify".