downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
downsized; downsizing; downsizes
Synonyms of downsizenext

transitive verb

1
: to reduce in size
especially : to design or produce in smaller size
2
: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business

intransitive verb

: to undergo a reduction in size

Synonyms of downsize

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Examples of downsize in a Sentence

They have downsized the car's engine in the new model. The company is planning to downsize next year. The company will be downsized next year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In last November’s constitutional amendment election, the county downsized the number of polling locations, citing cost reductions and low turnout in odd year elections. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 Starting last year, Beckstoffer pulled out 800 acres of grapevines from Lake County’s volcanic soil and plans to continue its downsizing slowly throughout the rest of this year. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 Clayton will take over an office that Pulte has been downsizing. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Open conversations, downsizing together, and preserving memories digitally can ease the process. — Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for downsize

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downsize was in 1975

Rhymes for downsize

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Browse Nearby Words

downsitting
downsize
downslide
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Cite this Entry

“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downsize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downsize

verb
down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
: to reduce in size
the company downsized its staff to cut costs

More from Merriam-Webster on downsize

Nglish: Translation of downsize for Spanish Speakers

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