Minimize — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz/ min·i·mize

Meaning & Definition of Minimize

Minimize (verb)

  1. to reduce or keep to a minimum
  2. to underestimate intentionally, play down, soft-pedal
  3. to replace (a window) on a computer display with a small button or icon which will restore the window when selected

Minimize (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to express scornfully one's low opinion of

    "sore losers trying to minimize the other team's victory"

    similar: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (slang), discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off, dump on
    related: discommend, abuse, scold, disapprove (of), dislike, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate, asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify, discredit, disgrace
    opposite: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise
    near: approve, countenance, endorse, favor, recommend, sanction, commend, compliment, eulogize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Minimize

The most common words with a similar meaning to Minimize:

Slang: dis
bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off, dump on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Minimize

Words with the opposite meaning of Minimize:

acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Related Words for Minimize

discommend, abuse, scold, disapprove (of), dislike, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate, asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify, discredit, disgrace

Near Antonyms of Minimize

approve, countenance, endorse, favor, recommend, sanction, commend, compliment, eulogize

Word Forms of Minimize

Inflections: minimized, minimizing

Derived words: minimization (noun), minimizer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Minimize

First known use: 1825

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Minimize

Frequently Asked Questions about Minimize

What does "Minimize" mean?

"Minimize" means to reduce or keep to a minimum. As a verb, it is defined as: to reduce or keep to a minimum.

What is another word for "Minimize"?

Other words for "Minimize" include bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate and derogate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Minimize" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Minimize"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Minimize". Common alternatives include bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish and dis.

What is the opposite of "Minimize"?

Antonyms of "Minimize" include acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify and praise. Near antonyms include approve, countenance, endorse and favor.

How do you use "Minimize" in a sentence?

Examples of "Minimize" in a sentence: "sore losers trying to minimize the other team's victory".

Is "Minimize" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Minimize" is a verb.

Is "Minimize" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Minimize" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Minimize"?

"Minimize" is pronounced /ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz/ and divided into syllables as min·i·mize.