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
Shoutout to the diminutive Mooney, who gets full marks for his effort level and compete at his size. —Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 22 June 2025 By Erin Entrada Kelly On June 18, 1996 — a cloudy summer day in Washington D.C. — a diminutive 78-year-old woman dies of heart failure and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery. —Oc Register, 20 June 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
  • While the headline-grabbing CEOs are interesting, hearing the stories of smaller companies is absolutely fascinating.
    — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The local government of the small and far-from-wealthy hometown of Pope Leo XIV has voted to acquire the former Robert Prevost’s childhood home as a future museum.
    — Howard Husock, National Review, 12 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
  • This time, however, the mound visit had little effect.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
  • But most of the middle part is missing, and there’s little to explain how the event unfolded from one stage to the next.
    — Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2025
Definition of little
Noun
  • This is an interactive robot toy and pet camera on wheels with a 2K HD camera, two-way audio, and a laser toy.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • But soft drink bottles can be turned into fiberfill for coats and sleeping bags; milk jugs can be made into toys; and polystyrene food containers can be recycled into cafeteria food trays.
    — LEW SICHELMAN, Miami Herald, 10 July 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
  • The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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