diminutive 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of diminutivenext
as in small
of a size that is less than average a single diminutive shrub on the edge of the lawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

diminutive

2 of 2

noun

də-ˈmi-nyə-tiv How to pronounce diminutive (audio)
as in dwarf
a living thing much smaller than others of its kind dik-diks, the diminutives of the antelope family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word diminutive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of diminutive are little, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of diminutive?

The meanings of little and diminutive largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When would miniature be a good substitute for diminutive?

While in some cases nearly identical to diminutive, miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When might minute be a better fit than diminutive?

In some situations, the words minute and diminutive are roughly equivalent. However, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related as synonyms of diminutive?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of diminutive?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

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 diminutive
Adjective
With a similarly diminutive design, the Obsbot Tiny SE delivers the same outstanding pan and tilt functionality with multiple tracking options for $99, a third of the Tiny 2's price. —PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025 The stark contrast of the diminutive Japanese guard going up against the host nation’s 7 feet 3 inches tall center Victor Wembanyama was one of the most memorable images of the Games. —Hanako Montgomery, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
Meaning: Miley is often considered a diminutive of the name Miles, but can also refer to singer Miley Cyrus. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025 Surely someone that diminutive will just be a scrambler who chases down balls and loops them back until the sun sets. Wrong. —The Athletic Staff, The Athletic, 9 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for diminutive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminutive
  1. small
  2. dwarf
  3. little
  4. shrimp
  5. tiny
  6. miniature
  7. pocket
Adjective
  • Lee already had six permanent tattoos –– small ones easily hidden by clothing –– and thought this was a good opportunity to try out a more visible tattoo.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Hybrid solutions are currently typically used for small systems.
    — ILYA Likhov, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of small
Noun
  • Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.
    — Robert Higgs, cleveland, 1 Feb. 2023
  • The dwarf variety grows to be about 5 to 7 feet, ideal for a small garden or accent in a room with limited space.
    — Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2023
Definition of dwarf
Adjective
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For starters, the clear formula comes in a cute little bottle that looks more like a serum than tanning drops.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of little
Noun
  • Pour the sauce over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the shrimp and avocado are thoroughly coated.
    — Janelle Davis, CNN, 7 Feb. 2023
  • Brine shrimp are a critical food source for the aquaculture industry.
    — Evan Bush, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2023
Definition of shrimp
Adjective
  • Known for: Its tiny colorful bags, like Le Bisou, Mini Chiquito, and Bambino.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In late spring and early summer, tiny pink or purple flowers appear in clusters that may cover the foliage and attract a variety of pollinators.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of tiny
Noun
  • That’s an eight-example unicorn in reality, though now reborn in miniature, and in greater numbers.
    — Nik Miles, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Her feed deploys the tropes and techniques of various TV and social-media genres in miniature.
    — James Poniewozik, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of miniature
Adjective
  • Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.
    — Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023
Definition of pocket

Browse Nearby Words

diminutions
diminutive
diminutiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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