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.

Habib Balian opposed parole for Erik Menendez during the hearing, arguing he lied to the Parole Board and had minimized his role in the killings during the hearing.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

However, he had minimized his legal exposure with high-powered lawyers, settlements that silenced complaints, and a plea deal that short-circuited an F.B.I. investigation.

From New York Times • May 5, 2023

With the addition of David Phelps, Seattle’s need to use Cishek in higher leverage roles, which Tampa plans to do, had minimized.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2017

A Reuters examination of Amazon's accounts showed how the world's biggest online retailer had minimized corporate taxes by setting up in Luxembourg, and channeling sales through its units there.

From Reuters • Dec. 6, 2012

Inspector Baynes, who, with his usual astuteness, had minimized the incident before me, had really recognized its importance and had left a trap into which the creature walked.

From The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir