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
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
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
  • The summer of 2020 did little to allay those fears: Inexperienced intelligence officers from the agency were deployed to Portland, Ore., to compile dossiers on people protesting against police violence.
    Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The ensuing reply-all showed little sympathy for the ninety-five-year-old school and its community.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 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
  • The pup worked for 13 years helping make others smile — including countless patients at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he was named the tiniest therapy dog out of more than 100 enrolled in the hospital’s Amerman Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There was a tiny cell, its walls painted deep red and carved with graffiti, where prisoners who were to be executed were kept.
    Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sachs’s ability to convey lives in miniature should serve him well with such an intimate, subtle premise, especially given the power of these two actors.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
  • From the audience under the rotunda, Republicans gleamed their approval and Democrats sulked in opposition — a piece of theater that, in miniature, encapsulated the broader partisan divisions and cultural differences that practically define American politics in the modern era.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Jan. 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

Thesaurus Entries Near diminutive

Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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