optimize

verb

op·​ti·​mize ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce optimize (audio)
optimized; optimizing
Synonyms of optimize

transitive verb

: to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible
optimize energy use
optimize your computer for speed and memory—Charles Brannon
optimizer
ˈäp-tə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce optimize (audio)
noun

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

The new system will optimize the efficiency with which water is used.
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.
Equinor’s energy trading subsidiary, Danske Commodities, will manage the facility’s market operations and optimize how the battery participates in ERCOT. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 By optimizing for the cheapest possible volume, Google is trading its long-term reputational authority for short-term balance sheet protection. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 Chips are small electronic circuits designed to optimize the processing required to train complex AI models. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Everything just feels locked in, optimized, honed for palpability and communication. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimize

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "to make the best or most of," from optim(um) or optim(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimize was in 1941

Phrases Containing optimize

Rhymes for optimize

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Browse Nearby Words

optimization
optimize
optimum
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Cite this Entry

“Optimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimize. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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