diminutive 1 of 2

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

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
Adjective
  • The Liberals' smallest lead was in a poll conducted by Innovative Research among 1,548 Canadian citizens, which showed the party with a lead of just 2 points, on 36 percent to the Conservatives' 34 percent—a lead within the poll's 3 percent margin of error.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Retail trade, which includes small and large clothing stores, lost 6,700 jobs, around 5,500 of which were not in department stores.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Governed by a growth mindset devoted to the logic of disruption, moving fast and breaking things, a flourishing structure of feeling about AI and art history has sprung up on the grounds of very little AI-and-art-history to have feelings about.
    Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • As the village abbot never far from the woods, or from Martine’s little dining room table, Jacques Develay manages the trick of utter simplicity in his motives and line readings.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Plus, gone are the days of worrying about not having enough sink space in a tiny hotel bathroom.
    Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Nearby in the tiny, no-stoplight community of Leslie, Arkansas, which gets water from the Ozark system, the only dentist in town operates out of a one-man clinic tucked in the back of an antique store.
    Brett Kelman, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The courthouse, which took about three months to create, is the latest in a line of impressive sculptures from Hackett, who painstakingly plans and executes one miniature marvel after the next.
    Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Priced at $138 for 100ml, $100 for 50ml, with miniatures available from $29, Fleur Majesty Rose Royale launched exclusively as a Sephora App preview on March 10th, with global availability following on March 13th.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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