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 Iran enters this next phase diminished, exposed and with fewer options than at any point in history. Shaun McCutcheon, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 The nonprofit blames the lack of progress on government red tape and diminishing federal funding to provide subsidies and incentives. Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Standard documentation should include pre-death hospital bills, lost household income, diminished retirement contributions, and burial invoices. William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 Much like carrying a cellphone is part of modern life, so is allowing a third party to track your movements, and that doesn’t diminish a person’s right to privacy, the majority ruled. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for diminish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diminish
Verb
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
  • Keep all windows and doors closed so your pet cannot easily escape, and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 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
  • Plus, new windows are more energy efficient than old ones, meaning a summer installation can decrease your energy bill now and when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Doubles players fear for their tennis future after being told by the ATP Tour that prize money and tournament sizes will decrease significantly starting in 2028.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • In April, the Superior Court dismissed the three citations Hubbard received in May 2025 when no park ranger or city attorney appeared for the prosecution, his lawsuit states.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Freeney did not dismiss the business side of the arrangement.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Without tick bites, red meat, or dairy to incite it, the immune response will subside eventually.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • A little light headedness was the only immediate side effect for a first-timer, but that quickly subsided.
    Tom Bogert, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminish. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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