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
But what’s the ideal role for the speedy and diminutive Achane, an accomplished cutback runner and a can’t-be-ignored threat as a slot receiver? Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 Their double act had begun at secondary school, in North London, where Mulcahy protected the diminutive Duffy from bullies. Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 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
  • These scopes will be able to resolve features as small as 8 inches (20 centimeters) on the lunar surface from an altitude of 31 miles (50 kilometers), according to Firefly.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 June 2025
  • The small core teams who operate them are usually experts in biodiversity and community engagement, but not marketing.
    Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 18 June 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
  • Her ensemble featured a simple yet striking little black dress with a semi-sheer bodice and a voluminous, inflated hemline, perfectly paired with dainty black mules and matching arm cuffs on both wrists.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 10 June 2025
  • No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 June 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
  • Tech has a tiny presence on the Southeast Asia 500, generating just under 3% of the list’s total revenue.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • What started as a tiny general store selling locally made goods and sustainable living products has expanded to include a full-service coffee bar and bakery.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • But computer simulations show that there are filaments and tendrils of dark matter crisscrossing the voids like a faint echo of the grand cosmic web, repeating itself in miniature.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 June 2025
  • With that being said, my personal favorite is the mystery room, featuring a spooky haunted house miniature display, as well as a crime solving display above the shelves.
    American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 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 24 Jun. 2025.

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