capitalize

verb

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cap·i·tal·ize | \ ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz

, ˈkap-tə- \

capitalized; capitalizing

Definition of capitalize

transitive verb

1 : to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals Capitalize the names of cities and states.

2a : to convert into capital capitalize the company's reserve fund

b : to treat as an amortizable investment in long-term capital assets rather than as an ordinary operating expense to be charged against revenue for the period in which it is incurred capitalize development costs

3a : to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time)

b : to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum capitalized annuities

4 : to supply capital for

intransitive verb

: to gain by turning something to advantage capitalize on an opponent's mistake

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About capitalize

Synonyms & Antonyms for capitalize

Synonyms

Antonyms

defund

Examples of capitalize in a Sentence

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet. Capitalize the first word of your sentence. She rarely capitalizes her name when she signs her e-mails. The venture was capitalized with a loan of one million dollars. You can capitalize your investment at any time.

Recent Examples on the Web Expect a blitz-happy Cardinals defense – further bolstered by J.J. Watt’s return from injury – to capitalize against a gunslinger who threw seven interceptions across his last three weeks. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2022 Ohio State’s inability to covert at the line or get into any type of rhythm offensively let Penn State stick around -- it just wasn’t talented enough to actually capitalize on it. — Stephen Means, cleveland, 16 Jan. 2022 Song catalogs from the Baby Boomer era and after are fetching enormous sums from publishers, private equity firms and others looking to capitalize on the music business’ recovery. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2022 Among the projects Burke tried to capitalize on was the massive $800 million renovation of the post office in the West Loop, according to the charges. — Jason Meisner, chicagotribune.com, 14 Jan. 2022 The Republican National Committee plans to capitalize on that and ramp up its outreach to Hispanic voters, according to spokesperson Emma Vaughn. — Priscilla Alvarez, CNN, 14 Jan. 2022 After a disappointing 2021 season, though, there are certainly questions about whether Harsin is a good enough coach and recruiter to capitalize on Auburn’s advantages. — John Talty | Jtalty@al.com, al, 13 Jan. 2022 To fully capitalize on this bathroom color trend, paint walls in a soft, wispy shade reminiscent of the sky, and continue the color onto the ceiling. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2022 The targets: Chinese companies that capitalize on customers’ desires for convenience and entertainment. — Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'capitalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.