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

By carefully sourcing ingredients and optimizing production processes, the brand minimizes costs without sacrificing the integrity of its offerings. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

This program will also minimize, if not eliminate, recycling costs for packaging materials paid by local governments and taxpayers. —Kevin Bommer, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024

Infused with tightening technology and proprietary peptides, this high-tech cream minimizes the appearance of horizontal lines and creases in the neck. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024

This step boosts the nutrients in your dishes and helps minimize food waste. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024

Off-field treatment rule: This one is designed to minimize the amount of time players spend rolling around on the ground, feigning injury to waste time. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2024

But one person who has never minimized Bragg’s case is Trump himself. —Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024

In an effort to prevent local herds from infection, officials in California and elsewhere have imposed restrictions on cattle imports from the affected states, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture has urged livestock managers to minimize the movement of cattle as much as possible. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2024

This forces miners to upgrade to advanced ASIC miner rigs that maximize productivity and minimize power consumption. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 12 Apr. 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