capitalize on
phrasal verb
capitalized on; capitalizing on; capitalizes on
: to get an advantage from (something, such as an event or situation)
They were able to capitalize on our mistakes.
She capitalized on her new fame by writing a book.
Examples of capitalize on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Genetic genealogy capitalizes on the popularity of consumer DNA products to compare a forensic DNA sample against the profiles in the databases of private companies, like Ancestry.
—
Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
During the six years, prosecutors said, the pair used their positions to capitalize on a racketeering enterprise defrauding the state, IRS and union members.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
In the 14th minute, Maya Oden connected on the second Islanders goal of the night, capitalizing on a poor clearance and lacing a shot into the top left corner of the net from 24 yards out.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
For over 140 years, restaurateurs have become millionaires capitalizing on the insatiable American appetite for nearly any foodstuff from south of the border.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
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Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
During the six years, prosecutors said, the pair used their positions to capitalize on a racketeering enterprise defrauding the state, IRS and union members.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
In the 14th minute, Maya Oden connected on the second Islanders goal of the night, capitalizing on a poor clearance and lacing a shot into the top left corner of the net from 24 yards out.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
For over 140 years, restaurateurs have become millionaires capitalizing on the insatiable American appetite for nearly any foodstuff from south of the border.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capitalize on
Cite this Entry
“Capitalize on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize%20on. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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