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Synonyms

optimize

American  
[op-tuh-mahyz] / ˈɒp təˌmaɪz /
especially British, optimise

verb (used with object)

optimized, optimizing

  1. to make as effective, perfect, or useful as possible.

  2. to make the best of.

  3. Computers. to write or rewrite (the instructions in a program) so as to maximize efficiency and speed in retrieval, storage, or execution.

  4. Mathematics. to determine the maximum or minimum values of (a specified function that is subject to certain constraints).

verb (used without object)

optimized, optimizing

  1. to be optimistic.

optimize British  
/ ˈɒptɪˌmaɪz /

verb

  1. (tr) to take the full advantage of

  2. (tr) to plan or carry out (an economic activity) with maximum efficiency

  3. (intr) to be optimistic

  4. (tr) to write or modify (a computer program) to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity, time, cost, etc

  5. (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.

They help forecast demand, optimize planting, prioritize shipments, and manage inventory.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

But Epic has been slow to optimize the computer game for mobile play.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It added that it’ll optimize monetary tools to bolster resilience and stands ready to adjust policy as needed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The bank has to "optimize policy for two very different goals" of low inflation and maximum employment, he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

He taught her how to tell time and direction from the stars, and she showed him how to open the expert software in the boards to optimize them for night travel.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

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.