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 By accurately predicting fashion trends and customer preferences, the brand minimizes overproduction, aligning with the global movement toward more environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s global head of data-center energy, in a blog said the new Mesa center will use air-cooling technology to cool servers and other equipment at the facility, in an effort to minimize water use there. The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 But as high-school students in the real world deal with book bans, limited contraception access and parental notification bills, Doin’ It‘s reluctance to touch on those weightier topics has the effect of minimizing the problem. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 This school, Bnei David, promised to minimize that risk, offering teenage boys a chance to fortify their religious beliefs before entering the military. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Commercial airliners fly so high to minimize drag and weather effects, but this new denser air might make their takeoffs and landings a little easier, allowing for lower speeds. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 First, the numbers don’t showcase how Kansas’ defense is built around him, emphasizing his strengths and minimizing his weaknesses. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Tax strategists specialize in tax law, planning, and compliance, focusing on strategies to minimize tax liabilities and ensure regulation adherence. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 To minimize damage to the environment, semiconductor manufacturers ought to follow the lead of Apple, Google, and Meta, the report says. Justine Calma, The Verge, 6 Mar. 2024

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.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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