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.

Swapping assets is often part of estate planning for wealthy taxpayers aiming to minimize exposure to the 50% estate tax rate.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

“The complexity needed if you want to minimize estate taxes is still best served today by an attorney,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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

If the nephew inherits what remains after her long-term care, is there an incentive, even subconsciously, to minimize expenses?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Well, in a way—and I have no wish to minimize his peculiar role and his peculiar achievement—it is not he who has done it but time.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing minimize

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List 3

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Kindred

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