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

Aside from a few nods to the Marquis de Lafayette, most basic textbook histories of the Revolutionary War typically overlook, minimize, or erase its transnational scope and complexity. —Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

Airlines are trying to minimize impacts on travelers, but Harteveldt compared the challenge to disassembling Humpty Dumpty without smashing him into 1,000 pieces. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Some dishwasher pods contain rinse aid, which helps with the drying process and minimizes water spots, while others don't. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2025

Such companies can help maximize wealth, minimize taxes, and firms may have legitimate reasons to be secretive about who owns them. —Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for minimize

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

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