verb
harmonize
HAH-muh-nyz
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
Word Forms
harmonized past tense, harmonizes singular
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The new policy _____ safety rules across all EU countries.
Etymology
From French harmoniser, built on harmony plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.