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Meaning & use

anonymized

adjective, verb·Advanced

Last updated

UK/əˈnɒnɪmaɪzd/
US/əˈnɑːnəmaɪzd/

“anonymized” is a form of “anonymize”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nountechnical

    Having had names or personal details removed so that individuals cannot be identified.

    Grammar: Usually before a noun: anonymized data, anonymized records.

    Patterns

    • anonymized data
    • anonymized records
    • anonymized information

    The researchers published anonymized data so that no patient could be recognized.

    We only share anonymized information with third parties.

    The anonymized survey results showed a clear trend.

  2. verbtransitive

    Past tense and past participle of 'anonymize': removed identifying details from something.

    Grammar: Takes an object: they anonymized the records.

    Patterns

    • anonymize something
    • anonymize data

    They anonymized the customer database before releasing it.

    The company anonymized all user comments in the report.

    She anonymized the interview transcripts to protect her sources.

Word forms

third person singularanonymizes
past tenseanonymized
past participleanonymized
-ing formanonymizing

Common combinations

anonymized data
The app collects anonymized data to improve its service.
anonymized records
Access to anonymized records is allowed for research.
fully anonymized
The dataset is fully anonymized before publication.
anonymize information
We must anonymize information before sharing it.

Synonyms and how they differ

de-identified
Often used in medical contexts; it means the same but is more formal.
anonymous
Describes a person or thing whose name is unknown, not data that has been processed.

Opposites

identifiednamed

Word family

anonymize verb
To remove identifying details.
anonymization noun
The act of removing identifying details.
anonymous adjective
Having no known name.
anonymity noun
The state of being anonymous.

Commonly confused: anonymized or anonymous?

anonymized vs anonymous

'Anonymous' means the name is not known; 'anonymized' means the name has been removed on purpose.

Practice

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