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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

diminutive

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Unlike prior targets, KY26 was chosen for its comparatively diminutive size. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025 When the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship comes to the Twin Cities in December, not many will know that more than 50 years ago, a diminutive former Gophers hockey player was a catalyst in the establishment of the tournament that now garners worldwide media attention. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 17 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
  • Designed for portability and performance The DGX Spark is small enough to fit in a backpack yet powerful enough to run modern AI reasoning models.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The lasagna gets topped with a layer of small, early spring bulbs like crocuses.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fighting off hordes of alien monstrosities AND digging for rare minerals in outer space as a crew of beer-swilling, ass kicking space dwarves?
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • And all these dwarves and elves and humans go, ‘What?
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, little of that story line, Androsoff argues, is backed up by historical evidence.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Geiger said there's little indication that tariff fears will result in any sort of Halloween pullback by consumers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The event also will include a costume contest featuring prizes donated by Geppetto’s toy store.
    La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Skibidi Toilet franchise has already established toy aisle partnerships with Walmart and Target via a worldwide, multiyear licensing deal with Bonkers Toys that includes action figures.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This causes the PPy and PSS to separate into tiny regions, creating thousands of junctions where electrons and ions interact.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Founded in 1777, Lexington is home to both Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and the presence of the universities no doubt plays a part in a cultural richness that punches above its weight class for a tiny town of just 7,000 people.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on diminutive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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