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
Identifying the warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention for these two dangerous, yet separate, conditions is not only potentially life-saving but also crucial to minimizing organ damage.
—
Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025
The goal is always to minimize human interaction and human risk.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
The deal will take him through his age-36 season, which is probably more like a five-year deal that’s spread out to minimize the luxury tax hit, given how volatile pitchers’ long-term outlooks are for health and effectiveness.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025
Keeping a close eye on what’s cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fires.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025
The goal is always to minimize human interaction and human risk.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025
The deal will take him through his age-36 season, which is probably more like a five-year deal that’s spread out to minimize the luxury tax hit, given how volatile pitchers’ long-term outlooks are for health and effectiveness.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025
Keeping a close eye on what’s cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fires.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 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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