What is the opposite of “maximising”?

What is the antonym of “maximising”?

The antonyms of maximising are minimize, reduce, and decrease. These words convey the opposite meaning of maximising which is to make something as large or great as possible.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

minimize

To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

Example

The company tried to minimize its expenses by cutting down on unnecessary costs.

reduce

To make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.

Example

The government decided to reduce taxes to stimulate economic growth.

decrease

To become or make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.

Example

The number of COVID-19 cases started to decrease after the vaccination campaign.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Minimize implies reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
• 2. Reduce means making something smaller in size, amount, or degree.
• 3. Decrease is a general term that describes something becoming smaller in size, amount, or degree.

Good things to know

• 1. Business: Use minimize and reduce to describe cost-cutting measures.
• 2. Environment: Use reduce and decrease to describe efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• 3. Health: Use decrease to describe a reduction in the number of cases or deaths due to a disease.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of maximising are minimize, reduce, and decrease. These words convey the opposite meaning of maximising which is to make something as large or great as possible. Use these words in different contexts such as business, environment, and health to describe cost-cutting measures, efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and a reduction in the number of cases or deaths due to a disease.