maximize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to increase to the greatest possible amount or degree.
to look for ways of maximizing profit.
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to represent at the highest possible estimate; magnify.
He maximized his importance in the program, minimizing the contributions of the other participants.
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to make the greatest or fullest use of.
Maximize your time by planning ahead.
verb
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(tr) to make as high or great as possible; increase to a maximum
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maths to find the maximum of (a function)
Other Word Forms
- maximation noun
- maximization noun
- maximizer noun
Etymology
Origin of maximize
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.
Second, algorithms designed to maximize engagement amplify extreme content.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
Under Erisa, loyal and conflict-free retirement-plan fiduciaries have discretion and flexibility to determine the investments most likely to maximize risk-adjusted return for the retirement savers who participate in their plans.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
In the Help Me Retire column Alessandra Malito answered this question to help a 66-year-old reader receiving Social Security disability payments understand how to maximize her retirement benefits.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
During the trial, lawyers for YouTube and Instagram sought to convince the court that these platforms no longer aim to maximize the amount of time their users spend online, unlike in their early days.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
In its report the company stated its determination to "maximize the cash generated by TEL as its usage continues to phase down around the world."
From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
