minimize

verb min·i·mize \ ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of minimize

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

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minimization

play \ˌmi-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

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minimizer

play \ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

See minimize defined for English-language learners

See minimize defined for kids

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 of minimize from the Web

The logical thought is that each area requires a different approach to prevent and/or minimize it.

— staff reports, charlotteobserver, "NC Senate candidates: Where they stand on key issues | Charlotte Observer," 17 Apr. 2018
Silent Ruin is one attempt to imagine how future wars might play out in order to minimize surprise and prepare for unexpected developments.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russia Uses Cyberweapons to Overwhelm U.S. Tanks—In This Comic Book," 5 Apr. 2018
Satin hair accessories like bonnets can help hair remain hydrated, minimize the loss of hair and split ends that can be caused by cotton pillowcases, and assist with preserving hairstyles.

— amira rasool, Teen Vogue, "Rapper Smino Debuts Satin-Lined Hoodie to Protect Hair While Sleeping," 5 Apr. 2018
The design’s shape minimizes the shockwaves and prevents them from colliding.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Five Things to Know About NASA’s Supersonic X-Plane," 5 Apr. 2018
As the takeover of the intersection at Florin Road got underway, several protesters holding flashlights stood in the middle of the street and directed traffic away from the intersection, so as to minimize the inconvenience.

— chicagotribune.com, "Signs of progress emerge as Sacramento protests over Stephon Clark's killing remain tense," 2 Apr. 2018
Former President Barack Obama says negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang.

— Fox News, "Obama: North Korea's isolation means less leverage in talks," 25 Mar. 2018
But translating that experience to the tabletop world—capturing that dynamic flow while minimizing a mountain of overhead—is tricky.

— charlie theel, Ars Technica, "Rum and Bones: Second Tide," 17 Mar. 2018
Those e-mails, from some leading voices on climate change, suggest that researchers conspired to manipulate data so that evidence opposing climate change was minimized, leading some to suspect a larger conspiracy.

— Newsweek, "Analysis," 14 Mar. 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.

First Known Use of minimize

1825

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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minimize Synonyms

Phrases

dump on;

MINIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

minimize

verb

Definition of minimize for English Language Learners

: to make (something bad or not wanted) as small as possible
: to treat or describe (something) as smaller or less important than it is
computers : to make (a program's window) change to a very small form that takes almost no room on a computer's screen