maximize

verb

max·​i·​mize ˈmak-sə-ˌmīz How to pronounce maximize (audio)
maximized; maximizing
Synonyms of maximizenext

transitive verb

1
: to increase to a maximum
maximize profits
2
: to make the most of
arranged the furniture to maximize space in the small apartment
3
: to find a maximum value of
4
: to increase the size of (a window) to fill an entire computer screen
maximization
ˌmak-sə-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce maximize (audio)
noun
maximizer
ˈmak-sə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce maximize (audio)
noun

Examples of maximize in a Sentence

I rearranged the furniture to maximize the space in my small apartment. This program will teach you how to maximize your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rush of vacancies last year likely created a slower market this year, but an all-hands-on-deck effort to maximize the money that goes into college football rosters is also driving the new reality. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 Using a tag-along provision secured during the sale to Walter, the five Buss siblings hope to maximize value for all six beneficiaries, including Jeanie, the new filing reports. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 That is a reward-maximizing system doing exactly what the reward function told it to do in a scenario designed to elicit the outcome. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maximize

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximize was in 1815

Rhymes for maximize

See All Rhymes for maximize

Browse Nearby Words

maximization
maximize
maximizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maximize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

maximize

verb
max·​i·​mize ˈmak-sə-ˌmīz How to pronounce maximize (audio)
maximized; maximizing
1
: to increase to a maximum
maximize profits
2
: to make the most of
maximize your opportunities
3
: to increase the size of (a window) to fill an entire computer screen

More from Merriam-Webster on maximize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maximize

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All