prioritize

verb

pri·​or·​i·​tize prī-ˈȯr-ə-ˌtīz How to pronounce prioritize (audio)
-ˈär-;
ˈprī-ə-rə-
prioritized; prioritizing
Synonyms of prioritize

transitive verb

: to list or rate (projects, goals, etc.) in order of priority
prioritization
prī-ˌȯr-ə-tə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce prioritize (audio)
-är-;
ˌprī-ə-rə-
noun

Examples of prioritize in a Sentence

It's always difficult to prioritize work, school, and family. If you want to do your job efficiently, you have to learn to prioritize. The town council hopes to prioritize the bridge construction project at the next meeting.
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.
McClung prioritizes other aspects of the game before working on his dunks, but the Dunkman league primarily consists of athletes who focus on dunking. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The push and pull between their desire to do good rings true — as does their choice to prioritize their own careers and personal relationships over a much broader international crisis. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 Russia's evolving strategy prioritizes high-performance drones to pressure missile defense systems. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 American labs that prioritize efficiency as a secondary concern risk maintaining their technological edge while losing market volume, developer interest, and ultimately the whole AI ecosystem. — Mark Minevich, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prioritize

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prioritize was in 1961

Rhymes for prioritize

See All Rhymes for prioritize

Browse Nearby Words

prioritied
prioritize
priority
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prioritize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prioritize. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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