minimize

1 of 2

verb

min·​i·​mize ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz How to pronounce minimize (audio)
minimized; minimizing
Synonyms of minimize

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 How to pronounce minimize (audio)
noun
minimizer
ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce minimize (audio)
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

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Verb
Second, the blade needed to be smooth so it could be inserted and removed quickly and without resistance, so the edge was unserrated, with the cross section meant to minimize friction so little force was needed to use it. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 In this location, the telescope will rarely be blocked by Earth and infrared heat from the Earth, sun and moon is minimized. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimize was in 1825

Rhymes for minimize

See All Rhymes for minimize

Browse Nearby Words

minimization
minimize
minimum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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