optimize

verb

op·​ti·​mize ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz 

optimized; optimizing

transitive verb

: to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible

optimize energy use

optimize your computer for speed and memory

—Charles Brannon

optimizer

ˈäp-tə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

The new system will optimize the efficiency with which water is used.

Recent Examples on the Web

The function designed to manage risk is now optimized to avoid the discomfort of doing so. —Darrin Lipscomb, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Unlike conventional military drones, the aircraft is derived from a commercial sport glider design, giving it a distinctive long-wing profile optimized for endurance. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026

Bloomberg More working women are ‘cycle syncing,’ or optimizing work routines to the phases of their menstrual cycles. —Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 26 May 2026

The team says future work will focus on long-term outdoor durability testing, improving large-scale manufacturability, and optimizing real-world deployment. —New Atlas, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "to make the best or most of," from optim(um) or optim(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing optimize

• sub-optimize

Rhymes for optimize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies