minimize

verb

min·​i·​mize ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz 

minimized; minimizing

transitive verb

1

: to reduce or keep to a minimum

minimize costs

minimize delays

2

: to underestimate intentionally : play down, soft-pedal

minimizing losses in our own forces while maximizing those of the enemy

3

: to replace (a window) on a computer display with a small button or icon which will restore the window when selected

minimization

ˌmi-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

minimizer

ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• bad-mouth
• belittle
• cry down
• decry
• denigrate
• deprecate
• depreciate
• derogate
• diminish
• dis [slang]
• diss
• discount
• dismiss
• disparage
• kiss off
• play down
• poor-mouth
• put down
• run down
• talk down
• trash
• trash-talk
• vilipend
• write off

Examples of minimize in a Sentence

We need to minimize the chance of error.

The company will work to minimize costs.

I don't want to minimize the contributions he has made to the company.

During the interview, she minimized her weaknesses and emphasized her strengths.

Please minimize all open windows.

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast, the single-bore method minimizes street-level disruption. —Dan Phan, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

This method, which is based on the idea of moving to where the hottest deer sign and action can be found, is used by many hunters who decide to minimize their hunting gear footprint and overall carry weight. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024

Maricopa, Pima, Coconino and other counties shared insights from those discussions among themselves to coordinate efforts to minimize lines. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

To minimize risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises hunters in CWD-positive regions to test their game before consuming it. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

minimize

verb

min·​i·​mize ˈmin-ə-ˌmīz 

minimized; minimizing

1

: to make as small as possible

minimize the chance of error

2

a

: to place a low estimate on

minimized their losses

b

: to make (something) seem little or unimportant : belittle

minimized their opponent's victory

3

: to replace (a window) on a computer display with a small button or icon which will restore the window when selected