minimize

verb

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min·i·mize | \ ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz

minimized; minimizing

Definition of minimize

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

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

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 Sutures, or stitches, to close larger wounds can minimize the risk of scar formation. — Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 12 May 2022 And how might other countries minimize similar failures? — Glen Retief, The New Republic, 11 May 2022 Amazon said in its memo that the company has attempted to minimize the impact of inflation. — Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Apr. 2022 Around the same time, China’s vice premier Li Keqiang and the president Xi Jinping vowed to minimize the economic impact of the policy. — Jane Li, Quartz, 6 Apr. 2022 The new plan is intended to minimize any potential impact for Atlanta Public School students ahead of the coming school year, the spokesman said. — Wilborn Nobles, ajc, 1 Apr. 2022 Elkins’s loyalty to her quasi-Foucauldian theory of liberal imperialism, as an all-encompassing net of power, leads her to minimize the report’s impact. — The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2022 The senior White House official said Saturday officials are trying to minimize the impact of the latest restrictions on other economies. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2022 Trucking companies pass along the rising costs to customers with fuel surcharges that seek to minimize the impact of price fluctuations. — Lydia O’neal, WSJ, 25 Feb. 2022 See More

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.