capitalize
verb
cap·i·tal·ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz 
ˈkap-tə-
capitalized; capitalizing
transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
: to gain by turning something to advantage
capitalize on an opponent's mistake
Synonyms
- bankroll
- endow
- finance
- fund
- stake
- subsidize
- underwrite
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Ukraine’s foreign minister called on the country’s Western allies to increase military support to enable Kyiv to capitalize on the recent advances. 
Stephen Kalin, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Even with the Buckeyes unable to capitalize on an ASU turnover on downs near midfield prior to intermission, Ohio State scored on three of its next four scores to bury the Red Wolves. Mitchell Gladstone, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2022 About Florida: The Gators hope to capitalize on consecutive sellouts for the first time since 2015. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Recruiters are seeking to capitalize on that more dynamic image. Markus Ziener, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Shaw also thinks by complaining with videos, as opposed to reaching out directly, people were trying to capitalize on her buzz. Brooklyn White, Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 At the time, Six Flags, Universal and other amusement parks were starting to capitalize on the growing popularity of Halloween by hosting elaborate holiday celebrations. Susan Glaser, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 The boys team is looking to capitalize on successes from the spring and a big summer of hard work to compete at the highest levels this season. Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2022 In recent months, multiple big-name firms have announced plans to build more e-commerce features into their apps, aiming to capitalize on their one-stop-shopping potential. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2022 See More
Stephen Kalin, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Even with the Buckeyes unable to capitalize on an ASU turnover on downs near midfield prior to intermission, Ohio State scored on three of its next four scores to bury the Red Wolves. Mitchell Gladstone, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2022 About Florida: The Gators hope to capitalize on consecutive sellouts for the first time since 2015. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Recruiters are seeking to capitalize on that more dynamic image. Markus Ziener, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Shaw also thinks by complaining with videos, as opposed to reaching out directly, people were trying to capitalize on her buzz. Brooklyn White, Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 At the time, Six Flags, Universal and other amusement parks were starting to capitalize on the growing popularity of Halloween by hosting elaborate holiday celebrations. Susan Glaser, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 The boys team is looking to capitalize on successes from the spring and a big summer of hard work to compete at the highest levels this season. Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2022 In recent months, multiple big-name firms have announced plans to build more e-commerce features into their apps, aiming to capitalize on their one-stop-shopping potential. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
(sense 1) capital entry 2 (sense 2) + -ize; (senses 2-4) borrowed from French capitaliser, from capital capital entry 2 + -iser -ize
First Known Use
1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Phrases Containing capitalize
Kids Definition
capitalize
verb
cap·i·tal·ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz
capitalized; capitalizing
1
: to write with a beginning capital letter or in all capital letters
2
: to provide money needed to start or develop (a business)
3
: to gain by turning something to advantage
The winner capitalized on his opponent's mistakes.
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
capitalized
verb
as in financed
to provide money for several investors agreed to capitalize the new venture Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- financed
- funded
- subsidized
- bankrolled
- staked
- endowed
- supported
- underwrote
- endorsed
- backed
- sponsored
- maintained
- advocated
- aided
- paid
- refinanced
- championed
- liquidated
- defrayed
- patronized
- stood
- grubstaked
- refunded
- cofinanced
- footed
- paid up
- paid off
- co-financed
- settled
- nourished
- recompensed
- indorsed
- discharged
- cleared
- sprung (for)
- quitted
- provided (for)
- quit
- sprang (for)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- defunded