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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.

And they have assisted 3M in coming up with a sanding disc that optimizes dust collection and grinding performance.

From The Wall Street Journal

“In this environment, we plan to increase investments in defense during 2026 while continuing to optimize our cost base to support margins and cash flow generation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

In the meantime, Thill noted, Meta has been putting artificial intelligence to work to optimize its ad performance by moving toward a “unified AI system” to power its entire family of apps.

From MarketWatch

China’s power system is not designed to optimize for clean energy.

From MarketWatch

"These sharks appear to have adapted their physiology to be able to optimize their energy use," she said.

From Science Daily