minimize
verb
min·i·mize
ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz 
minimized; minimizing
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
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
Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants.
—
Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 19 May 2026
The team concluded the term more accurately reflects the condition’s endocrine, metabolic and reproductive features while helping reduce misunderstanding for patients who have long felt their diagnosis was minimized.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
The emollient, lightweight, blendable, noncomedogenic formula with a glowy finish minimizes the steps in your skin care routine, layers well under makeup and leaves no white cast.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
The system uses a mathematical method known as a Hermite spline to create smooth and precisely controllable trajectories while minimizing travel time.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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.
Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 19 May 2026
The team concluded the term more accurately reflects the condition’s endocrine, metabolic and reproductive features while helping reduce misunderstanding for patients who have long felt their diagnosis was minimized.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
The emollient, lightweight, blendable, noncomedogenic formula with a glowy finish minimizes the steps in your skin care routine, layers well under makeup and leaves no white cast.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
The system uses a mathematical method known as a Hermite spline to create smooth and precisely controllable trajectories while minimizing travel time.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
