propagandize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'propagandize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is trying to spread a certain belief or idea for ideological reasons. For example, "The government tried to propagandize its citizens to enlist in the army."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Back in Moscow at the start of Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union (1941), Ulbricht was assigned to propagandize German prisoners of war and process information from the German army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When, a few years ago, Sims began to plan a new waterside facility (funded, in part, by the city), it decided that an investment in architectural panache could bring benefits, including enhanced opportunities to propagandize to third graders.

The New Yorker

Yet National Geographic didn't propagandize for a Western view of the world in the guise of something else; it argued openly for it, in issue after issue.

The New Yorker

Houellebecq's solemnly blunt descriptions of sex acts are notorious, or as notorious as such things can be in a sex-saturated age; but it is one thing to propagandize for sex and another to integrate it, as more than "naughty bits," into the conflict-ridden flow of incident and psychology that make up a novel.

The New Yorker

Many of the young people go out to propagandize the Kwangtung countryside.

The New Yorker

In general, the Communists were far better prepared-after the cease-fire as well as long before-not only to deal with the press but also to propagandize and proselytize the population.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

As Steven Simon points out today, federal courts don't allow TV cameras, "so the opportunity for 'real time' jihadist propagandizing won't exist".

The Economist

While engaging in marches, meetings, and frenzied propagandizing, Red Guard units attacked and persecuted local party leaders as well as schoolteachers and school officials, other intellectuals, and persons of traditional views.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An astute politician, he propagandized tirelessly for centralized Reform institutions in his English-language weekly, the American Israelite; in his German-language paper, Die Deborah; and in many rabbinical conferences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The keynote of Nerva's regime was a skillfully propagandized renunciation of the terrorist means by which Domitian had imposed his tyranny.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his blog, he warned that the "movement" worked by "propagandizing the children behind the parents' backs".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propagandize", consider the negative connotations associated with the term. It often implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or manipulate an audience.

Common error

Be mindful that "propagandize" carries a negative connotation. In contexts where you simply mean to inform or educate without a manipulative agenda, opt for more neutral terms like "inform", "educate", or "promote".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propagandize" is as a verb. Ludwig AI provides examples showing it in action, often describing efforts to influence public opinion or promote specific ideologies. It describes the action of spreading propaganda.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propagandize" is a grammatically correct verb used to describe the act of spreading propaganda, often with the intention of persuading people to adopt a particular viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with examples predominantly drawn from news media and encyclopedias. While grammatically sound, the term carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate or mislead. Consider context carefully and opt for more neutral terms if no manipulative intent exists. Common synonyms include "spread propaganda" and "promote ideology".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread propaganda

More explicit and direct in describing the action of disseminating propaganda.

promote ideology

Focuses on promoting a system of beliefs or ideas.

disseminate information

A more neutral term that can be used when the information is not necessarily biased.

indoctrinate

Implies a deeper and more forceful form of teaching or persuasion.

campaign for

Suggests active promotion of a cause or candidate.

proselytize

Specifically refers to attempting to convert someone to a religion or belief system.

promote a cause

Highlights the act of advocating for a particular cause or belief.

influence public opinion

Focuses on the aim of shaping what the public thinks.

shape perceptions

Emphasizes how the message affects people's understanding.

spread the word

A more informal way to describe sharing information widely.

FAQs

What does "propagandize" mean?

"Propagandize" means to spread or promote propaganda, often with the intention of persuading people to accept a particular idea or viewpoint.

How can I use "propagandize" in a sentence?

You can use "propagandize" to describe actions aimed at influencing public opinion, such as: "The government was accused of trying to "propagandize" the population with misleading information."

What are some synonyms for "propagandize"?

Alternatives to "propagandize" include "spread propaganda", "promote ideology", or "disseminate information".

What is the difference between "inform" and "propagandize"?

"Inform" refers to presenting facts or information objectively, whereas "propagandize" implies a deliberate effort to spread biased or misleading information to promote a particular agenda.