minimize

To make something as small or low as possible.

• We need to minimize waste.
• The new design minimizes heat loss.
• They changed the route to minimize delays.

Similar words: reduce, limit, decrease

Opposites: maximize, increase

Common phrases: minimize risk, minimize costs, minimize the damage

To describe or treat something as less serious or important than it really is.

• Don't minimize her achievement.
• He minimized the seriousness of the accident.
• The report tries to minimize the company's role in the crisis.

Similar words: downplay, play down, understate, belittle

Opposites: exaggerate, overstate

Common phrases: minimize the problem, minimize someone's role, minimize the seriousness

To hide a computer window while keeping it open, usually leaving a small button or icon.

• Minimize this window, please.
• I minimized the browser to see my desktop.
• Click that button to minimize the application.

Opposites: restore, maximize

Common phrases: minimize a window, minimize the browser, minimize an application