minimize

verb

min·​i·​mize ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz 

minimized; minimizing

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

minimization

ˌmi-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

minimizer

ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of minimize

• dismiss
• diminish

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

Irrevocable trusts generally can't be changed and are often used to protect assets, minimize estate taxes or manage more complex assets and family situations. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Snipping a bra strap is quick and can minimize exposure while applying the pad directly to a woman’s skin. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Masterson’s detractors have seized on the rebrand as an attempt to minimize his connection to Trump in a year when national Republicans worry the president’s polarizing leadership could cost the party majorities in the House and Senate. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026

The Alpine car came alive during qualifying, which was dominated by drivers seeking tows from other cars to minimize the drag factor being enacted on their cars on the long Monza straights. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for minimize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

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