diminish

verb

də-ˈmi-nish How to pronounce diminish (audio)
Definition of diminishnext
1
as in to minimize
to express scornfully one's low opinion of tends to diminish any rival's accomplishments with snide remarks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent the state's blood supplies were severely diminished by the two consecutive disasters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the sound of the train diminished as our distance from it increased

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb diminish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of diminish are abate, decrease, dwindle, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When is abate a more appropriate choice than diminish?

In some situations, the words abate and diminish are roughly equivalent. However, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When would decrease be a good substitute for diminish?

While the synonyms decrease and diminish are close in meaning, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

Where would dwindle be a reasonable alternative to diminish?

The meanings of dwindle and diminish largely overlap; however, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

In what contexts can lessen take the place of diminish?

While in some cases nearly identical to diminish, lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When could reduce be used to replace diminish?

The synonyms reduce and diminish are sometimes interchangeable, but reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of diminish Threats from Trump that Washington could withdraw from the diplomatic process in the absence of an imminent resolution have raised concerns that the White House might diminish its critical military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 19 May 2025 Likewise, if the materials are rough or hot, or there isn’t enough padding, your comfort will be significantly diminished. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 With his effectiveness diminished, the Celtics were 18.7 points per 100 possessions better without him on the court during the second round. —Jay King, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for diminish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminish
  1. minimize
  2. reduce
  3. decrease
  4. dismiss
  5. subside
  6. decline
Verb
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
  • While not always the case, most stairwells are located in the center of a building, away from windows and exterior walls, which can help minimize damage from weather events.
    — Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined, and some evidence had been illegally obtained. (Netflix) Lewis was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
  • The case against him was ultimately dismissed last July after the prosecutors committed a Brady violation.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • So much oil got sucked out of the port and its neighborhoods that the ground started to subside, in some places yards deep.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • There was a slight uptick in turnovers in the postseason, but that must subside against the Thunder.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Definition of subside
Verb
  • Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo declined to comment on the WSJ report.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Yields have risen and the dollar has declined moderately.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of decline

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Cite this Entry

“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminish. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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