capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz 

ˈkap-tə-

capitalized; capitalizing

transitive verb

1

: to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals

Capitalize the names of cities and states.

2

a

: 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

3

a

: 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

• bankroll
• endow
• finance
• fund
• stake
• subsidize
• underwrite

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

Franchise owners must be well capitalized in order to spend on marketing and branding, especially in the early phases. —Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

With the long-term success of WrestleMania Week annually, WWE is now looking to capitalize even more by using a version of that successful format for other ventures throughout the year. —Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025

Julio Rodríguez, who robbed Trent Grisham of a leadoff home run earlier, capitalized by shooting a two-run double the other way. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025

The starry revival, led by Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr, was capitalized for $7.5 million, according to an SEC filing. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) capital entry 2 (sense 2) + -ize; (senses 2-4) borrowed from French capitaliser, from capital capital entry 2 + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing capitalize

• capitalize on

Rhymes for capitalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize
• democratize

Kids Definition

capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈkap-ət-ᵊl-ˌīz 

ˈkap-tᵊl-

capitalized; capitalizing

1

: to write or print with a beginning capital letter or in capital letters

2

a

: to supply capital for (as a business or a project)

b

: to use as capital (as in business)

3

: to use to help oneself

capitalize on an opponent's mistake

capitalization

ˌkap-ət-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən

ˌkap-tᵊl-

noun

Legal Definition

capitalize

transitive verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pət-ᵊl-ˌīz 

capitalized; capitalizing

1

a

: to convert into capital

capitalize the company's earnings

b

: to treat as a capital expenditure rather than an ordinary and necessary expense

the cost of the merger must be capitalized

2

a

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

b

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

capitalized annuities

3

: to supply capital for

had capitalized the business with her own savings