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
Synonyms
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
The bill has been refined carefully over time to minimize burdens on shipping networks.
—
WSJ, 26 Sep. 2023
ArDOT has been in contact with the Trucking Association in order to minimize oversized loads during the period around the eclipse.
—Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2023
The public use condition on the new IP would ensure wide, low-cost availability of benevolent discoveries, while regulatory review and approval of the benevolent discovery and its valuation would minimize gaming of the system.
—Christopher B. Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2023
Such a change would also vastly reduce carbon emissions by minimizing unnecessary electronic waste.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Don't underestimate the difficulty of installing concrete To minimize cracks, concrete suppliers often add ingredients that make concrete fluid without as much water.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023
And powerful decision makers will have to exchange the short-term comfort of minimizing or dismissing complaints for a long-term commitment to new standards.
—Amanda Taub, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023
At the moment, the most obvious is the use of paper straws and water bottles in an attempt to minimize use of plastic.
—Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2023
Even better, rounded corners minimize any unpleasant accidental bumps in the night.
—Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2023
See More
WSJ, 26 Sep. 2023
ArDOT has been in contact with the Trucking Association in order to minimize oversized loads during the period around the eclipse.
—Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2023
The public use condition on the new IP would ensure wide, low-cost availability of benevolent discoveries, while regulatory review and approval of the benevolent discovery and its valuation would minimize gaming of the system.
—Christopher B. Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2023
Such a change would also vastly reduce carbon emissions by minimizing unnecessary electronic waste.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Don't underestimate the difficulty of installing concrete To minimize cracks, concrete suppliers often add ingredients that make concrete fluid without as much water.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023
And powerful decision makers will have to exchange the short-term comfort of minimizing or dismissing complaints for a long-term commitment to new standards.
—Amanda Taub, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023
At the moment, the most obvious is the use of paper straws and water bottles in an attempt to minimize use of plastic.
—Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2023
Even better, rounded corners minimize any unpleasant accidental bumps in the night.
—Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on minimize
Nglish: Translation of minimize for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of minimize for Arabic Speakers
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