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

• bad-mouth
• belittle
• cry down
• decry
• denigrate
• deprecate
• depreciate
• derogate
• diminish
• dis [slang]
• diss
• discount
• dismiss
• disparage
• kiss off
• play down
• poor-mouth
• put down
• run down
• talk down
• trash
• trash-talk
• vilipend
• write off

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

Windows users can minimize data collection by adjusting their privacy settings under 'Diagnostics & feedback.' 2. —Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

SpaceX took steps to minimize the chances that the problem would recur on Flight 8. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025

The Osmo fabric that makes up the Nemo Dagger is a polyester/ripstop nylon blend designed to minimize stretching when wet to prevent sagging (that can cause your tent to cave in) and any moisture seeping through the material. —Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025

That last category refers to minimizing false positives, which are instances when the antivirus flags a valid program as malicious. —PCMAG, 7 Mar. 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