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
These trips are typically two to five days, and take place close to home to minimize travel time and maximize ease.
—
Jim Augerinos, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
These are warehouses located near major ports designed to minimize ground transportation expenses and streamline the flow of goods into its wider fulfillment network.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
But Saiz is worried that the romanticization of volunteering on social media has minimized the importance of such preparation.
—Georgiana Ralphs, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Disney is incredibly unlikely to ever admit that politics were a factor in Doctor Who‘s cancellation, but Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension was revealing of the company’s desire to minimize MAGA wrath.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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Jim Augerinos, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
These are warehouses located near major ports designed to minimize ground transportation expenses and streamline the flow of goods into its wider fulfillment network.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
But Saiz is worried that the romanticization of volunteering on social media has minimized the importance of such preparation.
—Georgiana Ralphs, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Disney is incredibly unlikely to ever admit that politics were a factor in Doctor Who‘s cancellation, but Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension was revealing of the company’s desire to minimize MAGA wrath.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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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
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