Definitions

minimize

[min-uh-mahyz] / ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz /

VERB

make smaller; underrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curtail decrease diminish downplay lessen play down reduce trivialize underestimate

STRONG

abbreviate attenuate belittle cheapen decry deprecate depreciate derogate detract discount disparage dwarf knock miniaturize pan pooh-pooh prune shrink underplay

WEAK

cut down to size knock down make light of make little of poor-mouth put down run down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen prolong raise strengthen

STRONG

approve build up commend compliment exalt laud praise

WEAK

maximize overestimate overrate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Foods must be easy to prepare and consume in microgravity, minimize crumbs, and remain safe and stable throughout the mission.”

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Beth Pinsker writes the Fix My Portfolio problem, which typically features advice on retirement planning, long-term investing and strategies to minimize federal income taxes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

And the fund has between 200 and 300 positions at any given time, which further helps to minimize the risk of any problems tied to a specific issuer or sector.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Sharp, a social worker, says she tries to minimize her use of AI because of the energy it requires.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Simultaneously, they seek to minimize their risk of starving: moderate but reliable returns are preferable to a fluctuating lifestyle with a high time-averaged rate of return but a substantial likelihood of starving to death.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing minimize

Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird

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List 3

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Kindred

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