capitalize
verb
cap·i·tal·ize
ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz 
ˈkap-tə-
capitalized; capitalizing
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
: to gain by turning something to advantage
capitalize on an opponent's mistake
Synonyms
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
Jokic sat out the first 5:20 in the second quarter, but the Kings couldn’t capitalize after going cold on offense.
—
Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
The Huskies showed off their transition offense, forcing three turnovers in a two-minute span and capitalizing as their lead grew to 15 with four and a half minutes left before halftime.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025
Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, and capitalized last year on weaknesses in Ukraine’s defenses to slowly advance in eastern areas despite high losses of troops and equipment.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Russia, before its black eye in Syria, and China have both sought to capitalize by entering business and defense deals with Arab nations.
—Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for capitalize 
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Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
The Huskies showed off their transition offense, forcing three turnovers in a two-minute span and capitalizing as their lead grew to 15 with four and a half minutes left before halftime.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025
Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, and capitalized last year on weaknesses in Ukraine’s defenses to slowly advance in eastern areas despite high losses of troops and equipment.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Russia, before its black eye in Syria, and China have both sought to capitalize by entering business and defense deals with Arab nations.
—Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for capitalize
Dictionary Entries Near capitalize
Cite this Entry
“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌkap-ət-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
ˌkap-tᵊl-
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
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