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.

Both CalPERS and CalSTRS said that investment portfolios seek to minimize risk and maximize returns.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

An older relative gives annual gifts to minimize future estate taxes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

We used the period from November 2023 through mid-August 2025 to minimize undercounting at the start and end of our detention dataset.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

He has also spearheaded efforts to reform a woefully slow acquisition system, minimize stifling regulations, and take advantage of an innovative private sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

We refer to it with catch-all terms, like crazy or chronic pain, terms that both ostracize and minimize.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green

minimize

Example Sentences

Related Words