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Synonyms

decentralized

American  
[dee-sen-truh-lahyzd] / diˈsɛn trəˌlaɪzd /
especially British, decentralised

adjective

  1. (of a central authority) having much of the decision-making power vested in teams, divisions, or local branches instead of in a single center of power.

    They implemented a decentralized scheme for the business, dividing it into four geographic areas managed by local staff.

    A system of decentralized government empowered communities at the grassroots level and gave them a say in how they were governed.

  2. happening or carried out locally and usually independently.

    Decentralized wastewater treatment puts the treatment system at or near the school, industrial site, etc., that generates the wastewater.

  3. dispersed from a core area; spread out.

    It is challenging for our state to provide public services and infrastructure to an ever-growing and decentralized population base.

  4. (of currency) not controlled or distributed by a government, bank, or other third party, as bitcoin and some other digital currencies.

    While decentralized currencies are hurting in a bearish month, the prospects for state-issued virtual money look even dimmer.


verb

  1. the simple past tense and past participle of decentralize.

Etymology

Origin of decentralized

First recorded in 1830–40; decentralize + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; decentralize ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

About 80% of urban households visit weekly, highlighting their role as decentralized platforms for retail, payments, and public services.

From Barron's

Although Hyperliquid is becoming more popular internationally, U.S. investors are not permitted to trade on the decentralized derivative exchange for regulatory reasons, according to Nelson.

From MarketWatch

States say the decentralized approach enables them to be responsive to their communities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Institutions, exchanges, and index providers increasingly have been embracing blockchain-powered, around-the-clock trading as a way to boost volume and adapt to decentralized financial technology.

From Barron's

But the process of determining religious credentials is decentralized, and Khamenei’s status is ambiguous.

From The Wall Street Journal