minimize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.
-
to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.
verb
-
to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount
to minimize a risk
-
to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle
to minimize someone's achievements
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of minimize
Explanation
The verb minimize describes making something smaller or less serious. It typically refers to something negative that is being reduced, like when you eat at home instead of in restaurants to minimize expenses. To correctly pronounce minimize, accent the first syllable, which gets the short i sound: "MIH-nuh-mize." Minimize looks like minimum, which has the same spelling and meaning in English and Latin: smallest. To minimize something is to reduce it to its smallest amount — in size or importance. Other related words include minimal, miniscule, minute, and mini.
Vocabulary lists containing minimize
Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Kindred
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 chambers’ versions of the bill would also give the Treasury Secretary carte-blanche power to rewrite the legislation “to minimize market disruptions” and “mitigate, to the extent possible, negative impacts” on consumers, and communities.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
But an early QCD can be a good option for people who want to minimize future RMDs, says Julia Chu, head of philanthropy and family governance advisory at Neuberger Berman.
From Barron's • May 9, 2026
But the best way to minimize your risk while building your capital is through diversification.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
She added BP had been "working with customers and governments to get fuel where it's needed, helping minimize disruption and the impact it can have on people's lives".
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
TeLinde set out to minimize what he called “unjustifiable hysterectomies” by documenting what wasn’t cervical cancer and by urging surgeons to verify smear results with biopsies before operating.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
