prioritize

verb

pri·​or·​i·​tize prī-ˈȯr-ə-ˌtīz How to pronounce prioritize (audio)
-ˈär-;
ˈprī-ə-rə-
prioritized; prioritizing
Synonyms of prioritize

transitive verb

: to list or rate (projects, goals, etc.) in order of priority

Examples of prioritize in a Sentence

It's always difficult to prioritize work, school, and family. If you want to do your job efficiently, you have to learn to prioritize. The town council hopes to prioritize the bridge construction project at the next meeting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth. Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Planners prioritize areas that don’t have equitable park access to ensure everybody can get to a dog park, splash pad or even just green space, Walker said. Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026 Doing so will prioritize THR in your search results, so our coverage of major entertainment news will appear in Google’s Top Stories. Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 Families are prioritizing purchases for students even as household budgets are closely managed. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prioritize

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prioritize was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prioritize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prioritize. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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