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
The Padres’ starter, Michael King, was equally ineffective, issuing seven walks over four innings, but the Giants failed to capitalize.
—
Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
Go too soon and executives might be criticized for trying to capitalize and exploit a tragedy.
—Edward Segal, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
The Texans, however, capitalized in overtime with a game winning goal.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2024
Just tossed out into the world to capitalize off the buzz.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2024
Weighing the Costs After Michigan began subsidizing the film industry, some localities tried to capitalize.
—Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
One of the biggest differences was Resurrection Christian’s inability to take care of the ball and Holy Family being able to capitalize.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Trader Joe's canvas mini tote bags have been hard to find and resellers have been capitalizing off the item's skyrocketing market value, but shoppers' luck could turn around in a few months.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024
Arizona capitalized late in the second quarter during a rare break for Watkins, who went to the bench with 3:32 left.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024
Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
Go too soon and executives might be criticized for trying to capitalize and exploit a tragedy.
—Edward Segal, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
The Texans, however, capitalized in overtime with a game winning goal.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2024
Just tossed out into the world to capitalize off the buzz.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2024
Weighing the Costs After Michigan began subsidizing the film industry, some localities tried to capitalize.
—Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
One of the biggest differences was Resurrection Christian’s inability to take care of the ball and Holy Family being able to capitalize.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Trader Joe's canvas mini tote bags have been hard to find and resellers have been capitalizing off the item's skyrocketing market value, but shoppers' luck could turn around in a few months.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024
Arizona capitalized late in the second quarter during a rare break for Watkins, who went to the bench with 3:32 left.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capitalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near capitalize
Cite this Entry
“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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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