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

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from minimize

minimization \ ˌmi-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən

\ noun

minimizer \ ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər

\ noun

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

What’s more, a focus of the latest ALL research is identifying the genetic drivers of each child’s disease, then tailoring the intensity of treatment to minimize toxicity. — Marie Mccullough, https://www.inquirer.com, "How conquering a rare leukemia in children revolutionized cancer care for millions," 6 June 2019 Cut off the binge-watching at least 30 minutes beforehand to minimize the effects, the AASM advises. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "15 Ways to Sleep Better Tonight, According to Experts," 2 May 2019 Not mentioning the indirect workforce reveals just how much the administration wants to minimize the effect of an indefinite shutdown in the eyes of the public. — Paul C. Light, WSJ, "The Hidden Cost of a Government Shutdown," 27 Dec. 2018 But a new study used a genetic technique called Mendelian randomization to minimize the effect of several variables and provide stronger evidence of cause and effect. — Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, "Highly Educated, Very Nearsighted?," 6 June 2018 This new information could now help large-scale shipping industries and policymakers establish regulations to minimize the effects of humanmade noise on these ocean giants. — Jeremy Rehm, Science | AAAS, "Whale skulls act like antennas, CT scans reveal," 23 Apr. 2018 The first tier proposed zoning changes, onsite landscaping and minimum canopy height for new projects so trees minimize effects on vehicles and pedestrians. — Alexis Egeland, azcentral, "Residents claim Phoenix isn't doing enough to add trees and shade, and they want more say," 20 Apr. 2018 Jade rollers are said to do everything from sculpting, toning, and firming skin to boosting circulation, enhancing glow, reducing puffiness, minimizing fine lines, improving elasticity, detoxifying, and helping skincare products penetrate better. — April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, "Do Jade Rollers Actually Work? Here's the Truth," 20 May 2019 At supersonic speeds, however, those wings would tuck backward and minimize the surface area, making it a more efficient high-speed pursuit fighter and granting it a higher top speed and better fuel economy than its fixed-wing counterparts. — Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, "Why the F-14 Tomcat Is Such a Badass Plane," 3 May 2019

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.