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
Despite their diminutive nature, this research suggests even microquasars snacking on small stars can have an impressive cosmic influence, becoming powerful natural particle accelerators. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Despite its diminutive size, the Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Translator is pretty capable. —Séamus Bellamy, Travel + Leisure, 6 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
  • The foyer is often a small space, so a hall tree can be overbearing.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Have a small outdoor space but want to grow some plants and vegetables?
    — Toni Sutton, People.com, 2 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
  • The order’s vague framework has sparked concerns, particularly as Trump’s March 7, 2025, Crypto Summit is set to feature a narrow circle of industry elites, with little representation from diverse perspectives or consumer advocates.
    — Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Dolly Parton and Carl Dean had one of the entertainment industry's most enduring marriages, but very little is known about the country music legend's late husband.
    — Ashley Hume, Fox News, 7 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
  • The indie retailer is partnering up with Mattel to debut a limited-edition line of clothing and accessories inspired by the tiny doll.
    — Hannah Malach, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Acupuncture and the tiny sugar pellets of homeopathy.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of tiny
Noun
  • The semiconductor business is partly a race to the most miniature.
    — Kerry Brown, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Two other donkeys remain at Barron Park's donkey pasture, a 16-year-old white miniature named April and a 25-year-old brown Jerusalem miniature named Buddy.
    — Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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