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.

The county, he said, could ask for “beautification of the building site” and minimize impact to neighbors.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

“This pressure has been more pronounced on customers in rural communities as they work to minimize trip distance,” the discount retailer’s CEO said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The best approach may be to minimize the “multiplicity” of conflicting voices and viewpoints coming out of the Fed, said Alan Blinder, former Fed vice chair and professor at Princeton University.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

She showed him how to creep soundlessly forward, knees to the ground; pushing the bow out in front of her to minimize her movement, she took aim.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

Vocabulary lists containing minimize

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