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
The Raptors also played the Bucks, a 122-116 loss, with the home team bumping the game’s start time up by an hour to minimize the conflict between the two games.
—
Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Del Toro tries to minimize the use of CG in order to emphasize the craft.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Moving into a smaller condo would minimize maintenance while giving you access to cash.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Labs that specialize in ancient DNA have high-tech clean rooms to minimize contamination.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Del Toro tries to minimize the use of CG in order to emphasize the craft.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Moving into a smaller condo would minimize maintenance while giving you access to cash.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Labs that specialize in ancient DNA have high-tech clean rooms to minimize contamination.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 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 26 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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