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
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
Single service handles not stored facing one direction to minimize hand contact with the business end or with the handle facing upright.
—
Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Your Lawn Aerating the lawn helps nutrients reach deeper into the soil, minimizes compaction, and can help when overseeding the lawn.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Eliza Varadi, a pediatrician in South Carolina, told me that the murkiness around insurance coverage, coupled with lower demand, has prompted her practice to start ordering COVID vaccines just one box at a time—each a batch of 10 doses—to minimize the potential for loss.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
The ordinance was intended to keep streets, parks and other property sanitary and minimize public health and safety hazards, according to board documents.
—Sofi Zeman
october 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Your Lawn Aerating the lawn helps nutrients reach deeper into the soil, minimizes compaction, and can help when overseeding the lawn.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Eliza Varadi, a pediatrician in South Carolina, told me that the murkiness around insurance coverage, coupled with lower demand, has prompted her practice to start ordering COVID vaccines just one box at a time—each a batch of 10 doses—to minimize the potential for loss.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
The ordinance was intended to keep streets, parks and other property sanitary and minimize public health and safety hazards, according to board documents.
—Sofi Zeman
october 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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