capitalize on

verb

capitalized on; capitalizing on; capitalizes on
Synonyms of capitalize onnext
: to get an advantage from (something, such as an event or situation)
They were able to capitalize on our mistakes.
She capitalized on her new fame by writing a book.

Examples of capitalize on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Local authorities are trying to capitalize on The Odyssey buzz to turn the tiny Mediterranean island into a tourist hot spot. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026 Masterson will aim to capitalize on Kansas’ decades-long tradition of trading off executive power between Republican and Democratic governors without electing candidates of the same party consecutively. — Carrie Rengers, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Instead of just capitalizing on existing vulnerabilities, both business models benefit from creating new ones. — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 Bush tried to capitalize on voter sentiment souring on Israel and the rise of other progressives, but that wasn't enough to sway Missouri voters who stuck with the incumbent. — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capitalize on

Rhymes for capitalize on

See All Rhymes for capitalize on

Browse Nearby Words

capitalize
capitalize on
capital justiciar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capitalize on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize%20on. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All