Describing a Decrease in Amount: English Vocabulary List

very small in amount or degree, often the smallest possible

"The cost is minimal."

"The minimal amount of sugar in this recipe makes it a healthy choice for people watching their weight carefully."

decreased to the smallest amount or quantity possible

"The risk is minimized."

"The risk of infection was minimized because the doctors followed strict hygiene protocols during the entire surgical procedure in hospital."

to become less in amount, size, or degree

"The temperature will decrease tonight."

"The doctor advised him to decrease his salt intake to lower his blood pressure naturally."

to decrease the length of something

"Please shorten your speech a little."

"The editor had to shorten the article significantly to fit within the magazine's space limits."

a decline in amount, degree, etc. of a particular thing

"A reduction in price."

"The government announced a significant reduction in carbon emissions as part of its new environmental policy."

reduced or decreased in extent or scope

"The area contracted."

"The metal contracted in the cold weather causing the bridge joints to make strange noises whenever cars passed over them."