Definition of diminishnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb diminish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of diminish are abate, decrease, dwindle, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When is abate a more appropriate choice than diminish?

In some situations, the words abate and diminish are roughly equivalent. However, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When would decrease be a good substitute for diminish?

While the synonyms decrease and diminish are close in meaning, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

Where would dwindle be a reasonable alternative to diminish?

The meanings of dwindle and diminish largely overlap; however, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

In what contexts can lessen take the place of diminish?

While in some cases nearly identical to diminish, lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When could reduce be used to replace diminish?

The synonyms reduce and diminish are sometimes interchangeable, but reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

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 diminish But when temperatures climb above 85°F, or there’s an extended period of dry heat, veggies can wilt away or drop their flowers or premature fruit, diminishing or, in the worst case, destroying the harvest. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 In a sizzling dissent for the court's three liberals, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson castigated the majority for diminishing not just individual religious rights, but the power of Congress to legislate. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 23 June 2026 The Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream is currently on sale for just $14 and diminishes wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, crepey skin, and sun damage. Jamie Allison Sanders, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Loads added to the structure over its life further diminished the margins against failure. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for diminish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminish
Verb
  • This can minimize cooling efficiency by making the unit work harder to bypass the clog, cause water damage from an overflowing drain pan, and even trigger respiratory issues from mold and mildew growth.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
  • The Environment Monwana was built with the vision of being a leading eco-conscious lodge, with integrated renewable energy sources, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, and smart technology that would minimize its environmental footprint.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • This significantly minimizes cybersecurity risks by decreasing the number of outside players that may have access to the data through cloud or hardware infrastructure.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The firms asked the judge to dismiss the case Wednesday, arguing Uber had failed to prove fraud.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Delta denied this in its legal response, seeking to dismiss the case.
    Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Early on, Jonah couldn't be indoors during rumbling Florida thunderstorms because the noise reminded Jonah of the collapse, so father and son would take long drives until the storm subsided.
    Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 June 2026
  • Spoofing has subsided noticeably in recent days.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • With only a week of freedom under his belt, Cribbs said Powell is declining interviews for now, reentering the world with some trepidation.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The Padres declined comment for this column.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminish. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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