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 nerves can be sutured back together to minimize pain, Bank said, but most breast surgeons haven’t been trained to do this.
—
Brett Kelman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
The Swedish firm Ulf Mejergren even submitted a plan for topping the venerable structure with a giant cross-shaped swimming pool (which, if nothing else, would presumably minimize future fire risk).
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
The question is how to minimize the pain and maximize opportunities for prosperity.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
What’s more, insurance companies — which are always working on complex models to manage the flow of claims, and therefore minimize financial losses — are increasingly using AI to tighten the faucet.
—Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimize
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Brett Kelman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
The Swedish firm Ulf Mejergren even submitted a plan for topping the venerable structure with a giant cross-shaped swimming pool (which, if nothing else, would presumably minimize future fire risk).
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
The question is how to minimize the pain and maximize opportunities for prosperity.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
What’s more, insurance companies — which are always working on complex models to manage the flow of claims, and therefore minimize financial losses — are increasingly using AI to tighten the faucet.
—Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimize
Cite this Entry
“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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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