Synonyms

optimize

American

[op-tuh-mahyz] / ˈɒp təˌmaɪz /

especially British, optimise

verb (used with object)

optimized, optimizing

to make as effective, perfect, or useful as possible.
to make the best of.
Computers. to write or rewrite (the instructions in a program) so as to maximize efficiency and speed in retrieval, storage, or execution.
Mathematics. to determine the maximum or minimum values of (a specified function that is subject to certain constraints).

verb (used without object)

optimized, optimizing

to be optimistic.

optimize British

/ ˈɒptɪˌmaɪz /

verb

(tr) to take the full advantage of
(tr) to plan or carry out (an economic activity) with maximum efficiency
(intr) to be optimistic
(tr) to write or modify (a computer program) to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity, time, cost, etc
(tr) to find the best compromise among several often conflicting requirements, as in engineering design

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

optimization noun

Etymology

Origin of optimize

First recorded in 1835–45; optim(um) + -ize

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.

Plumbers, electricians and other skilled trades will increasingly use AI to optimize supply ordering, research code compliance, perform complex diagnostics and even guide repairs.

From MarketWatch

This optimized pairing significantly reduced liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis severity in mice.

From Science Daily

Agentic AI can interpret large amounts of data, make largely autonomous decisions and execute tasks in order to optimize production, maintenance and supply chains, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The point isn’t to optimize every meal, but to remove the specific frictions that keep you from cooking at all.

From Salon

This strategy allowed plasma-wall interactions to be optimized from the very beginning.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023