minimize

verb

min·i·mize | \ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz

minimized; minimizing

Definition of minimize

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

Other Words from minimize Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about minimize

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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

Close windows and doors, both to minimize noise and their chance of escape. — Southern Living, "How to Keep Dogs Calm During Fireworks," 3 July 2018 The hope is to string together results from different size scales in a way that minimizes the need for fudge factors, researchers say. — Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, "Galaxy simulations are at last matching reality—and producing surprising insights into cosmic evolution," 30 May 2018 The Pentagon has agreed to study the noise and ways to minimize it. — The Washington Post, OregonLive.com, "Noise exposure becoming 'the new secondhand smoke'," 13 May 2018 Pitching against a Kingwood team which scored 36 runs its last two games, Pearland starter Matt Adams certainly wanted to minimize the damage Thursday night at the University of Houston's Schroeder Park. — Ted Dunnam, Houston Chronicle, "Pearland shuts out Kingwood in Game 1 of area round series," 10 May 2018 Better yet is that the comforter is made with hypoallergenic fibers that can minimize the the chance you'll be exposed to potentially irritating materials. — Banu Ibrahim, CNN Underscored, "Five products you'll swear by this allergy season," 13 Apr. 2018 The crews clean pipelines by using a flushing system that cleans out pollutants and minimizes the possibility of stagnant water. — Michael Livingston, latimes.com, "Water quality report offers solutions to inconvenient troubles," 11 July 2018 Rain fell periodically throughout the three days of extractions, but pumping efforts were so successful that the amount of time the boys spent underwater was minimized, officials said. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "How the world came together to save 12 boys trapped in a Thai cave," 10 July 2018 In the past, a technical position was specific and often limited to a geographical area minimizing the need for collaboration, diversity and communication on a global scale. — Kimberly Thompson, Houston Chronicle, "Career Rescue: Soft skills help energy-job interview," 8 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.