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 of capitalize

• fund
• finance
• subsidize

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

Lake Forest junior Sam Florjancic and Libertyville senior Austin Scott capitalized with birdies on their final holes to create a three-man deadlock at the top of the leaderboard. — Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Hwang’s policy was sold by a Nebraska startup, Summit Specialty, with no track record in paying for California risks, capitalized by a private equity fund whose investment portfolio includes mail-order steak. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Willis also lost a fumble in the second quarter, although Arizona State failed to capitalize and punted on the ensuing possession. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026

In a momentum-flipping, third-quarter play, Southlake Carroll’s punter dropped a snap, and Jeremiah Taylor capitalized, forcing a fumble. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026

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