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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diminutive
Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Thankfully, most garages will accommodate both, as these are diminutive vehicles when compared to any American iron of the era.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
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
Adjective
Skeet is a diminutive figure with short, gray hair, and a round face with prominent cheeks.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Thankfully, most garages will accommodate both, as these are diminutive vehicles when compared to any American iron of the era.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 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
Adjective
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Add the ginger during the last minute of cooking, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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Martin knocked on the hunter’s small tent.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As kobolds go, Heinzelmann was more harmless than most, going about his business protecting the castle from giants and dwarves and keeping the staff updated on faerie gossip, as well as protecting the chambermaids from unwelcome attentions from visiting noblemen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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Most standard-sized fruit trees should be spaced about 20 to 25 feet away from each other and homes, but dwarf varieties can be planted closer together.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Inside, two picnic tables were stacked on top of each other, leaving little room to climb.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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During last week's episode, viewers saw Dylan dance with his little sister, Olivia, for Dedication Night on.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chaos reigns in the studio as ballerinas, toy soldiers, and puppets scatter across the screen.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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The season 3 trailer teased no shortage of moments where Elsbeth must use her unique experience and intuition to resolve even the most dangerous cases — including a hostage incident at a toy store.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Earth, a tiny target in the vastness of space, would often be spared from being hit by these magnetic projectiles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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Sometimes changing the world starts with a tiny needle.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Large clutches, like those at Bottega Veneta and Chanel, and comfortable shoulder bags like the Miu Miu multi-pocket bag, also featured.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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