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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why did so many economists and policymakers minimize the potential devastation that free trade with China would wreak on many Americans? Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025 Our limited newsletter series guides you on how to minimize your personal role in the climate crisis — and reduce your eco-anxiety. Martha Shade, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025 Additionally, focusing on seamless customer onboarding and retention strategies helped minimize churn and maximize lifetime value. Subscription models are particularly effective at relieving pressure from frontline sales teams by creating predictable, recurring revenue streams. Joshua Adragna, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025 Hydrolyzed collagen firms the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines, while niacinamide brightens skin tone, calms the complexion and strengthens the skin barrier, and peptides smooth fine lines. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for minimize 

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 16 Feb. 2025.

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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