diminutive 1 of 2

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

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
Thomas is a kinetic, diminutive woman whose energy belies her years. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Among other things, the firm previously brought us the diminutive Pixy and Vizy video cameras. New Atlas, 28 Apr. 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
  • Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Pay Attention to Heavy Metals Some chocolate contains small amounts of cadmium and lead—and dark chocolate tends to be the bigger offender.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
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
Adjective
  • On the comparable activities, there was little in the way of either selling horses or otherwise disposing of them.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • And while most Americans have heard about the stock market fluctuations, 20 percent have heard little about them or nothing at all.
    Ruth Igielnik, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Pour the sauce over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the shrimp and avocado are thoroughly coated.
    Janelle Davis, CNN, 7 Feb. 2023
  • Brine shrimp are a critical food source for the aquaculture industry.
    Evan Bush, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • In the video above, the user added a tiny fairy bridge over her faux water scene.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
  • During the war, the U.S. military printed more than a million tiny paperback books for men to carry into battle, called Armed Services Editions.
    Martha Hall Kelly, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The Frontierland concept is still present, complete with a pony ranch and a stagecoach, as is a haunted house and a land themed to miniatures, a concept that would ultimately become the Storybook Land Canal Boats.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Half-prank, half-pastiche and 100% punk rock, the film’s mishmash aesthetics are due to the many artists who volunteered to build out Drew’s gender-bending Gotham City by any means necessary, from animation to stop-motion to miniatures.
    Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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