DIMINUTIVE Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

diminutive 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of diminutive next

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

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

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Recent Examples of diminutive

Adjective

The former linebacker worked through some traffic on a celebratory sideline and, with Washington in his sights, launched himself at the diminutive safety. —

Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 In ways large and small, the diminutive Hollywood veteran set the tone. —

Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Noun

But that’s hardly the only reason the diminutive forward made the San Jose Sharks roster out of training camp. —

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 7 Oct. 2024 Hebrew Meaning: Bee Alternative Spellings & Variations: Deborah, Debbie Karen Origin: Danish Meaning: Pure Fun Fact: Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine. —

Katie Nolan, Parents, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diminutive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminutive

Adjective

Despite potential large-scale raids in Chicago and New York City this week, smaller operations took place instead.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Bad decisions — the kind that can be, if not reversed, at least remedied — are an essential part of adolescence: lapses that teach us about our desires, our impulses, our weaknesses, our essential character, and leave us with no greater damage than a throbbing hangover or a small, smudgy tattoo.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025