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

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
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 There are high columns crawling with ivy, nearly 12 acres of rolling lawns, teensy windows with teensy shutters, and a diminutive pool house that apes a fairy-tale cottage. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 16 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
  • By a rough count, Flagg played in approximately six different lineups, including some small-ball looks with Dwight Powell at center.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
  • While there is acknowledgement that smaller teams, such as Norway’s Valarenga, could be on the receiving end of heavy defeats with the shift in format, the benefits of seeing top seeds clash early in the competition mean more overall interest.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And all these dwarves and elves and humans go, ‘What?
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
  • These two dwarf galaxies orbit the Milky Way at distances of 163,000 and 200,000 light-years, respectively, moving through our galaxy's outer halo of hot gas not too dissimilar, but on a much smaller scale, from the Virgo Cluster's halo of hot gas.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shane Hubbard, a UW-Madison research scientist specializing in damage and loss estimation from disasters, said that misunderstandings of what type of insurance offers the most protection result in homeowners being left with hefty bills and little government assistance.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The clues have been there from the start, the little touches that aligned Grasso’s bifurcated personality with Tom and Robbie’s.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Best Push Toy Some bunny will surely love to play with this simple, yet stylish push toy.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Original price: $15.99 This scented toy for puppies up to 50 pounds features a hook-and-loop wrap, a squeak and a crinkle sound.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a soupy September morning in northeast Wisconsin, a blue semi-truck arrives at Tisch Mills Farm Center in the tiny town of Carlton.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In an ideal world, a tiny home could provide the ideal solution for in-laws to have space to visit your home for extended visits.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 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

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Cite this Entry

“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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