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.

She speckled her conversation with minimizers: “kind of,” “sort of,” “a little,” “a bit.”

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

We are also far from covid minimizers; I’ve written extensively about the dangers of the coronavirus to children and am clear-eyed about the unknowns of long covid.

From Washington Post • Aug. 23, 2022

I have tried buying her properly fitted bras, including minimizers, but she is still unhappy.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2021

In addition to seeking out minimizers and bras that fit well, help your daughter find clothes that flatter larger busts in a way that don’t treat her breasts as a problem to be solved.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2021

Ireland boasts a large industry of foreign “tax minimizers” that do this, but these tax minimizers hardly employ any people.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2010

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!