maximize

verb

max·​i·​mize ˈmak-sə-ˌmīz 

maximized; maximizing

transitive verb

1

: to increase to a maximum

maximize profits

2

: to make the most of

arranged the furniture to maximize space in the small apartment

3

: to find a maximum value of

4

: to increase the size of (a window) to fill an entire computer screen

maximization

ˌmak-sə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

maximizer

ˈmak-sə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Examples of maximize in a Sentence

I rearranged the furniture to maximize the space in my small apartment.

This program will teach you how to maximize your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses.

Recent Examples on the Web

Doctors in Aleppo later reported a pattern of regime snipers shooting to maim civilians, rather than to kill them—partly to maximize suffering, partly to invite rescue attempts. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Today, Citroën’s advanced CAD techniques have managed to improve that legacy even more, optimizing structural geometry to maximize interior volume and minimizing weight. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026

Seth Lipkin, who contributes Crossplay tips to the Gameplay newsletter, suggested carefully selecting that opening word to maximize points. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Her answer had almost nothing to do with maximizing benefits. — Ray R. Harris, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maximize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

maximize

verb

max·​i·​mize ˈmak-sə-ˌmīz 

maximized; maximizing

1

: to increase to a maximum

maximize profits

2

: to make the most of

maximize your opportunities

3

: to increase the size of (a window) to fill an entire computer screen