WordWeb Online

1. Represent as less significant or important
   "Again the raw growth numbers minimise the gain in economic well-being";
   - understate, minimize, downplay
    
2. Make small or insignificant
   "Let's minimise the risk";
   - minimize
    
3. Cause to seem less serious; play down
   "Don't minimise his influence";
   - minimize, belittle, denigrate, derogate

Derived forms: minimised, minimises, minimising

Type of: belittle, decrease, disparage, inform, lessen, minify, pick at

Antonym: maximise [Brit]