Synonyms for civilize

enlighten, cultivate, enrich, reclaim, refine, render civil, acculturate, polish, sophisticate, spiritualize, humanize, socialize, edify, uplift, tame, foster, instruct, ethicize, reclaim from barbarism, promote, help forward, better materially, make gentle, acquaint with culture, indoctrinate, elevate, educate, teach, advance, ennoble; see also develop 1, improve 1, teach 1.