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.

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

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

In a rebuttal, prosecutors urged the judge to ignore the defense’s attempts to minimize the harm caused by Sangha.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Kosi expected him to cheat, and her concern was to minimize the possibilities he might have.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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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