Definition of diminishnext
1
2
3

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 risk decreases as the storm moves away.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Yet burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced motivation, sleep problems, and decreased enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The judge also dismissed a criminal charge related to possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, according to Reuters and ABC News.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss all charges in the case, citing new video evidence.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Shinnecock Hills did its part, even after the strongest wind subsided.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • While the most intense combat has subsided, Israeli forces have continued launching airstrikes and opening fire on Palestinians, leaving more than 1,000 people dead since the ceasefire began in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • In 2023, the year after five Tampa Bay Rays players declined to wear rainbow logos for Pride Night, Manfred said the league would no longer compel players to do so.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Factors such as declining birth rates and families moving out of the city are contributing to declining enrollment at Denver Public Schools.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminish. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on diminish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster