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Synonyms

optimization

American  
[op-tuh-muh-zey-shuhn] / ˌɒp tə məˈzeɪ ʃən /
  1. the fact of optimizing; making the best of anything.

  2. the condition of being optimized.

  3. Mathematics. a mathematical technique for finding a maximum or minimum value of a function of several variables subject to a set of constraints, as linear programming or systems analysis.


Etymology

Origin of optimization

First recorded in 1855–60; optimize + -ation

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.

Through methods like search engine optimization and other nifty page-ranking subterfuge, this nonverified content climbs to the top of search results and people’s consciousness.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Surfshark showed slightly faster startup times and smoother 4K playback on distant servers, thanks in part to its FastTrack optimization feature.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

While the method still needs further optimization, Ting said, "We may be able to determine whether someone has increased brain activity simply by assessing muscle activity after pulling a rug out from under you."

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

“With Nordic scale, the impact of AI and process optimization, Nordea expects to have fewer employees in the future.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Religion as a human experience appears in this world as a powerful tool for the optimization of the effort involved, because it effectively constitutes a synchronizing mechanism.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai