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

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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 The Kremlin on Tuesday again sought to minimize the significance of Mr. Navalny’s case, issuing a veiled warning to the European Union’s top foreign policy official, Josep Borrell Fontelles, who plans to visit Moscow this week. — New York Times, "Russian Activist Navalny Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Prison," 2 Feb. 2021 Tribal governments urged fishers to start social distancing even before heading to the river, to minimize their contacts with people outside their own households, and to get tested for COVID-19 through tribal clinics. — Special To The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, "COVID-19 restaurant downtown, health risks pack double blow to tribal fishers, salmon business," 12 Jan. 2021 Even so, Pelosi must minimize the number of Democrats opposing her. — Alan Fram, ajc, "Pelosi likely speaker again, but might require high-wire act," 30 Dec. 2020 The count doesn’t minimize the violence, but expands it. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "A spokeswoman for the state’s attorney expected questions about Baltimore’s 300th homicide; she didn’t expect it would be a man she’d loved," 28 Dec. 2020 Crews were kept in the same small groups to minimize cross-contaminating work environments and equipment, and to mitigate risk for incoming guests. — Rachel Ahtila, Outdoor Life, "The Canadian Outfitters Who Survived 2020 Are Rewarded with Another Uncertain Season," 27 Dec. 2020 But limited fans inside Houston’s arena will minimize that negative atmosphere and potentially give the Rockets more time to find the best deal. — Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, "Opinion: James Harden is trying to be a disruptor, and it's working. His antics could poison Rockets.," 24 Dec. 2020 And most importantly, all of the players minimize their egos for the good of the team, and that is what makes the game plan work. — Omar Kelly, sun-sentinel.com, "Kelly: Dolphins’ defense deserves praise for going from worst to first in a year | Commentary," 23 Dec. 2020 Overall, Price says, his goal is to minimize direct, face-to-face interactions with his pint-sized visitors. — Mary Colurso | Mcolurso@al.com, al, "Santas in Alabama need a little extra magic this year (and maybe a plexiglass shield)," 22 Dec. 2020

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.

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