minimize

American  

[min-uh-mahyz] / ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz /

especially British, minimise

verb (used with object)

minimized, minimizing

1. to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.

2. to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.

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minimize British  

/ ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount

   to minimize a risk

2. to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle

   to minimize someone's achievements

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Other Word Forms

• minimization noun
• minimizer noun
• unminimized adjective
• unminimizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of minimize

First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize

Example Sentences

WSJ | Buy Side: Tax planning advisers help clients minimize their liability, navigate complex tax rules and integrate tax-efficient strategies into their financial plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the disclosures offer an exceptionally granular look at the strategies used by many of the ultrarich to build wealth and minimize their tax bills.

From The Wall Street Journal

Your estate plan will likely involve charitable donations and a strategy to time withdrawals from your retirement accounts to help minimize your taxes or to convert to a Roth account before you claim Social Security.

From MarketWatch

Grocery stores have remarkably low profit margins, but the ones that can sell high volumes and minimize overhead tend to stick around.

From The Wall Street Journal

And if a mega backdoor Roth does become an option, you may want to hire a qualified tax professional to help you maximize the conversion while minimizing your tax liability, given the potential tax consequences.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• curtail
• decrease
• diminish
• downplay
• lessen
• play down
• reduce
• trivialize
• underestimate