to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.

to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., esp. in a disparaging way; belittle.

verb

enlarge , maximize , overestimate , overrate

verb

abbreviate , attenuate , belittle , cheapen , curtail , cut down to size , cut rate , decrease , decry , deprecate , depreciate , derogate , detract , diminish , discount , disparage , downplay * , dwarf * , knock * , knock down * , lessen , make light of , make little of , miniaturize , pan , play down , pooh-pooh * , poor-mouth , prune , put down , reduce , run down , shrink , underestimate , underplaynotes:reduce means to cut down on; minimize means to make small or insignificant or represent as less important , denigrate , downgrade , slight , talk down , downplay