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.

But the best way to minimize your risk while building your capital is through diversification.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Yaroslavsky, who lives in Mid City, defended her position on housing, contending that SB 79 was deeply flawed and that she is working to minimize its negative impacts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Targeting nominal GDP rather than inflation can minimize the damage from supply shocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

She added BP had been "working with customers and governments to get fuel where it's needed, helping minimize disruption and the impact it can have on people's lives".

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Mrs. Finley tried to minimize the damage by saying that one of the boys had become ill and made the others sick.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

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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