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
Synonyms
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
Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Breaking free from the current expectations of others can minimize possible chaos.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024
The only way to minimize the damage is to rapidly deploy clean energy on a massive scale by the end of this decade, scientists and global energy groups say.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN, 3 July 2024
However, there are ways to minimize weight gain or even lose weight if necessary.
—Laurie Saloman, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024
Security concerns should not be minimized, said Faith Boninger, a research professor at the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado Boulder.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for minimize 
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024
The only way to minimize the damage is to rapidly deploy clean energy on a massive scale by the end of this decade, scientists and global energy groups say.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN, 3 July 2024
However, there are ways to minimize weight gain or even lose weight if necessary.
—Laurie Saloman, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024
Security concerns should not be minimized, said Faith Boninger, a research professor at the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado Boulder.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for minimize
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.
Dictionary Entries Near minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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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