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
Presented here, through some visual trickery, as a diminutive schlump with a hideous comb-over, Hawke doesn’t exactly disappear into the role, which strikes me as fortuitous and perhaps deliberate. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 Named Grace after the late pioneer of software engineering Grace Murray Hopper, the diminutive craft will conduct several hops that reach up to 50 meters (164 feet) in the air before diving into a nearby crater that lives in permanent shadow. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Feb. 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
  • There are other arguments for smaller capacity venues.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • On Monday evening, a small but passionate group of parents, students, and teachers gathered at a school board meeting to once against ask officials to pause the plan and look for other options that would allow Central to stay open.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 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
  • One 2019 study from researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University and West Virginia University found little evidence that CDFI funding significantly boosts small business activity.
    — Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • And despite the dynamic, positive feedback of the recovery, there is little evidence of fresh dollar inflows at this point.
    — Guy Petcho, National Review, 19 Mar. 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
  • Apply a tiny bit of water to the wonton edges with your finger.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Regular computers, including the one on your desk, think in tiny bits of information that are either a 1 or a 0—like flipping a light switch on or off.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of tiny
Noun
  • But the prehistoric feline’s size would have been akin to—or even smaller than—these modern miniatures.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
  • No pieces of Pride Rock, no fiberglass miniature of a canyon.
    — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
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

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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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