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.

That calls for builders to reduce housing starts to minimize discounts, building less but at higher margins.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

We can minimize the virus and stop the disease.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

She has closed schools and ordered federal employees to work from home on Thursday to minimize the potential chaos in Mexico City.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Migrations can also minimize disruption for funds that track the various indexes.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

I decided to minimize my presence by standing in the shadows much further away from table than I might usually have done.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

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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