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
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
After a solid breakout season for Orlando last season, the Magic have not been able to capitalize and keep the momentum going this campaign, in large part due to injuries but also because of poor shooting.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Volatility traders use several strategies, but the main goal is to capitalize whether stocks and options go up or down.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
The Cowgirls were able to capitalize at the end of the game off free throws, converting 12-for-17 to pull ahead in the final minutes.
—Allison Smith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Under Trump’s executive order, the Treasury Department would set up an office to administer the reserve, which will be capitalized with bitcoin confiscated by the government as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capitalize
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Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Volatility traders use several strategies, but the main goal is to capitalize whether stocks and options go up or down.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
The Cowgirls were able to capitalize at the end of the game off free throws, converting 12-for-17 to pull ahead in the final minutes.
—Allison Smith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Under Trump’s executive order, the Treasury Department would set up an office to administer the reserve, which will be capitalized with bitcoin confiscated by the government as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capitalize
Cite this Entry
“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 24 Mar. 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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