minimize

verb

min·​i·​mize ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz How to pronounce minimize (audio)
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 noun
minimizer noun

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 Good food is good business Some food processors will predictably resist with lobbying efforts to minimize labeling changes and seek loopholes and exceptions. Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024 Tax Advisor: Provides expert advice on tax planning and compliance, helping individuals and businesses use tax accounting to minimize their tax liabilities while adhering to tax laws. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Identity Guard offers some helpful tips to minimize social-media risks. The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 These changes are a stark departure from the earliest days of the crisis, when public-health experts excoriated public figures—among them, former President Donald Trump—for evoking flu to minimize COVID deaths and dismiss mitigation strategies. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024 It’s carefully designed so the blower tube is in line with the handle, which minimizes rotational force to lessen strain on your wrists, arms, shoulders, and back during use. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024 The downplay of our concerns also minimizes our opportunities to tell our stories, and the impacts of this limit control of our bodies and create additional vulnerabilities during birth. Essence, 28 Feb. 2024 For stomach skin that feels tight, dry, and uneven, belly oils and butters can improve elasticity, minimize itching, and leave skin feeling softer and a lot more soothed. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 Primary enclosures need to be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent contamination of the animals contained therein and to minimize disease hazards and to reduce odors. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimize was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near minimize

Cite this Entry

“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

minimize

verb
min·​i·​mize ˈmin-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce minimize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on minimize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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