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
something (such as an animal) 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
While some had come to watch America’s favorite pastime, others waited with bated breath, eyes on the digital screens set up around the arena — eager to see a diminutive anime girl with white hair and shark teeth appear. —Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025 For 21 years, the Cadillac Escalade SUV has been the marque’s most successful luxury Hulk: big and brazen, powered by a bellowing V-8, and ready to dominate any diminutive car on the road. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 16 July 2025
Noun
For example, Katie is a diminutive of Katherine and Lisa is a diminutive of Elizabeth. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for diminutive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminutive
  1. small
  2. dwarf
  3. little
  4. toy
  5. tiny
  6. pocket
Adjective
  • Beyond providing an invitation for music-curious Austinites to come explore the clubs, the festival offers a lifeline to musicians and venues during the slow summer season, when small clubs that support emerging artists face some of their greatest challenges.
    — Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Bringing bold wallpaper into a small space can be a fun way to add a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, and that is precisely what Laws did in this 40-square-foot half-bath.
    — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of small
Noun
  • Tell me a little bit about the technical side of filming a dwarf and an elf together.
    — Devan Coggan, EW.com, 13 Oct. 2022
  • Other new characters include Disa, the first female dwarf ever shown in the Lord of the Rings series.
    — Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2022
Definition of dwarf
Adjective
  • The 2023 impeachment trial of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was acquitted in a Senate impeachment trial on a range of charges including bribery and abuse of office, appeared to have done little to undermine his standing among voters.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Since all the council members sit on the budget committee that voted and heard budget, little, if anything, in the budget is expected to change.
    — Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Definition of little
Noun
  • Maverick's favorite activities include running with friends, playing with crinkle toys and taking long naps in between helping patients, families and staff.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Its garage is stuffed with every toy essential to making the most of Antarctica’s terrain: a submarine, a helideck, Seabobs, and snowmobiles, among others.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of toy
Adjective
  • One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Her tiny strides nestled among the cypress trees near the Guadalupe River.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Definition of tiny
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 7 Aug. 2025.

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