optimize

verb

op·​ti·​mize ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce optimize (audio)
optimized; optimizing

transitive verb

: to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible
optimize energy use
optimize your computer for speed and memoryCharles Brannon
optimizer noun

Example Sentences

The new system will optimize the efficiency with which water is used.
Recent Examples on the Web Jupiter will do its part to optimize whatever's on offer, so feel free to form dynamic duos with the knowledge that two heads are luckier than one. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2023 Companies can use the insights gleaned from operational and customer data to optimize costs, personalize experiences, pump up revenue and get a competitive edge. Isabelle Bousquette, WSJ, 20 Mar. 2023 Moreover, gratitude can also help optimize emotional regulation, heightening our ability to manage and positively respond to our emotions. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2023 Using SizeUpVista, local businesses can find potential customers and vendors; better understand the competitive landscape; and optimize ads to target ideal customer segments. Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023 Here are two questions to consider for leaders looking to optimize their own employees' opportunities for growth. Don Markland, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 Many critics argue that platforms should not try to maximize engagement, but instead optimize for some measure of long-term value for users. WIRED, 2 Mar. 2023 The duo worked with landscape designer Sam Comer to devise a surface of tabby concrete tiles which blend in with the home’s stucco and also optimize drainage in the rainy months. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 2 Mar. 2023 In this case, the team needed to optimize a single antenna to handle a high enough bandwidth for the tags. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimize was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near optimize

Cite this Entry

“Optimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimize. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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