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.

“In building any new facilities, we want to carefully look at those impacts and minimize them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Each effort to minimize the story has amplified it.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 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

“The submarine cable industry goes to great lengths to protect cables, provide resilient networks and minimize disruptions,” said Dean Veverka, the committee chairman and chief technology officer at cable operator Southern Cross.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Holding the front of the flashlight against the windowpane, and cupping a hand around it to minimize reflection, he switched it on.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Vocabulary lists containing minimize

Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 3

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Kindred

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!