diminish
verb
di·min·ish
də-ˈmi-nish 
diminished; diminishing; diminishes
1
: to make less or cause to appear less
diminish an army's strength
His role in the company was diminished.
2
: to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle
diminish a rival's accomplishments
3
architecture
: to cause to taper (see taper entry 1 sense 1)
a diminished column
1
: to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
the side effects tend to diminish over time
2
architecture
: taper
Synonyms
Examples of diminish in a Sentence
The strength of the army was greatly diminished by outbreaks of disease.
The drug's side effects should diminish over time.
Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions.
Recent Examples on the Web
This has less to do with a diminishing talent pool than a changing industry where the lines between Corman’s world and Hollywood at large became more sharply drawn.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Although his output had diminished, from an availability and form perspective, Villa valued him higher than Douglas Luiz or Diaby and with greater scope for improvement.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Today, the political and cultural coalitions that championed foreign aid are severely diminished.
—Maany Peyvan, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025
While the Israeli prime minister has argued that UNRWA should fold into other U.N. support agencies, some consider this view part of a broader plan to diminish land rights in Palestinian territory.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for diminish 
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Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Although his output had diminished, from an availability and form perspective, Villa valued him higher than Douglas Luiz or Diaby and with greater scope for improvement.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Today, the political and cultural coalitions that championed foreign aid are severely diminished.
—Maany Peyvan, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025
While the Israeli prime minister has argued that UNRWA should fold into other U.N. support agencies, some consider this view part of a broader plan to diminish land rights in Palestinian territory.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for diminish
Dictionary Entries Near diminish
Cite this Entry
“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diminish. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diminish
verb
di·min·ish
də-ˈmin-ish
1
: to make less or cause to appear less
2
: to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle
3
: to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
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