minimize

1 of 2

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

minimization

2 of 2

noun

min·​i·​mi·​za·​tion

variants also British minimisation

ˌminəmə̇ˈzāshən

plural -s

: the action or process of minimizing

interested primarily in the minimization of governmental activity

—E. E. Schattschneider

Synonyms of minimize

Verb

• dismiss
• diminish

Examples of minimize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Federal wildlife managers euthanized 28,000 animals in California in 2025 and dispersed about 1 million more as part of a nationwide program meant to control invasive species and minimize danger to people, pets and livestock, new data shows. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Traditionally, the idea has been to establish a single health insurance program, run by the federal government, that would guarantee coverage for Americans and minimize or even eliminate private insurance. — Kate Wells, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Thornton has minimized the relevance of the previous paragraph. — Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for minimize

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

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