Word Finder

MAXIMIZE

m-a-x-i-m-i-z-e

Verb
Intermediate Level
8 Letters

Quick Definition

MAXIMIZE means to make as large, great, or intense as possible; to increase to the highest possible amount or degree.

Scrabble Points

28

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Rhyming Words

size
prize
rise
wise
surprise

Definition & Meaning

To MAXIMIZE is to increase something to its greatest possible extent, whether size, efficiency, profit, or potential. This optimization concept pervades modern life, from business strategies to personal productivity, representing the pursuit of peak performance and optimal outcomes. In mathematics, maximization involves finding the highest value of a function. In life, it represents the human drive to achieve the best possible results within given constraints. The digital age has made maximization a cultural imperative.Contexts for maximization:

  • Business: Profits, efficiency, market share
  • Personal: Productivity, happiness, potential
  • Technology: Performance, battery life, storage
  • Resources: Utilization, conservation, impact
  • Etymology & Origin

    The word maximize comes from Latin maximus meaning "greatest" (superlative of magnus "great") + -ize (verb-forming suffix). Path to English: - Latin maximus → maximum (1740s) - Maximum + -ize → maximize (1802) The word emerged during the Industrial Revolution when efficiency and optimization became economic imperatives. Originally used in mathematics and engineering, it spread to general usage by the mid-19th century. The concept reflects Enlightenment ideals of perfection and progress through rational improvement.

    Common Phrases & Collocations

    Frequent Combinations

    • maximize profits

      Increase earnings to highest level

    • maximize potential

      Achieve fullest capability

    • maximize efficiency

      Optimize performance

    • maximize returns

      Get best investment results

    Did You Know?

    MAXIMIZE contains both X (8 points) and Z (10 points) for strong Scrabble scoring

    The "maximize" button (□) became a universal computer interface element by 1985

    Economists call the human tendency to maximize utility "homo economicus"

    Studies show trying to maximize every decision leads to less satisfaction

    Usage Examples

    "The company restructured operations to maximize efficiency and minimize waste."

    "She rearranged her schedule to maximize time with family while meeting deadlines."

    Word Forms & Variations

    Present

    maximize, maximizes

    Past

    maximized

    Gerund

    maximizing

    Noun

    maximization, maximizer

    Adjective

    maximal, maximized

    Opposite

    minimize

    Similar Words

    Words by Point Value

    Similar length and difficulty words

    BUZZWORD
    32 pts
    PUZZLED
    28 pts
    MAXIMIZE
    28 pts
    JUKEBOX
    27 pts
    OXIDIZE
    24 pts
    COMPLEX
    20 pts
    AMAZING
    19 pts
    EXAMPLE
    18 pts

    Letter Analysis

    Letter Distribution

    M (3 pts)
    2x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    X (8 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    2x
    Z (10 pts)
    1x
    E (1 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 28 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 4

    Word Game Strategy

    MAXIMIZE is a strategic Scrabble word: - X (8) + Z (10) = 18 premium letter points - Common enough to remember under pressure - Can build from MAX or MAXI - 8 letters perfect for bingo potential - -IZE ending helps with word building

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    Maximize embodies modern optimization culture - from Silicon Valley's "growth hacking" to self-help's potential maximization. It represents both human ambition and the anxiety of never doing enough.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    maximiseBoth correct

    Maximise is British, maximize is American

    maxamizemaximize

    Second vowel is I not A

    maximalizemaximize

    No AL in the middle

    Alternative Plays

    Explore anagrams and letter combinations from MAXIMIZE

    Master MAXIMIZE

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