optimize

verb op·ti·mize \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz \

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of optimize

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

play \ˈäp-tə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

See optimize defined for English-language learners

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of optimize from the Web

That custom controller, optimized to individual's needs, would often cost hundreds of dollars to create, significantly more than Microsoft's target price.

— eli blumenthal, USA TODAY, "New Xbox Adaptive Controller aims to help gamers with disabilities," 17 May 2018
There is only your ideal latte: the one optimized to be maximally delicious to your palate.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "Great News Everyone, We’ll Never Have Shared Food Experiences Ever Again," 15 May 2018
Designed for a young couple, the one-room home was optimized in every possible way, from daily living to entertaining to relaxation.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "377-square-foot apartment is super-optimized for all your needs," 9 May 2018
SEMrush helps marketers and publishers optimize their websites for discovery by consumers using popular search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo .

— benjamin mullin, WSJ, "Search Marketing Firm SEMrush Raises $40 Million to Fund Expansion," 24 Apr. 2018
And unlike Kepler, the new observatory is optimized to study light from the most common stars in the galaxy, reddish M dwarfs that are smaller and cooler than Earth's sun.

— william harwood, CBS News, "SpaceX launches NASA planet-hunting satellite," 18 Apr. 2018
Qian Qian’s story, narrated by Kristen Bell, is panda plentiful and optimized for maximum family-friendly visual enjoyment.

— maya wei-haas, Smithsonian, "The Science Behind the Unbearably Cute IMAX Movie “Pandas”," 6 Apr. 2018
Regardless of which all-wheel-drive system is chosen, RAV4s so equipped will have Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select feature, which has engine and traction-control settings optimized for traversing snow, mud, sand, or rocks.

— alexander stoklosa, Car and Driver, "2019 Toyota RAV4 / RAV4 Hybrid: Sales Champ Gets a Compelling Overhaul," 29 Mar. 2018
With over 75 vendors and an entire parking garage to peruse, optimize your time and start digging early.

— shelbie lynn bostedt, RedEye Chicago, "The ultimate guide to vintage and thrift shopping in Chicago," 26 Apr. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of optimize

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1941

in the meaning defined above

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OPTIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

optimize

verb

Definition of optimize for English Language Learners

: to make (something) as good or as effective as possible

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optimize

Definition of optimize

optimizer

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