as in small
of a size that is less than average
a single diminutive shrub on the edge of the lawn
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dwarf
a living thing much smaller than others of its kind
dik-diks, the diminutives of the antelope family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in smallness
the quality or state of being little in size
the diminutiveness of jockeys prompts some people to make them the butt of jokes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diminutive
Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025
According to a police report from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the trouble for the diminutive comedian (real name: Juan Espinosa), began around 2 a.m., near Rockledge.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
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
Adjective
Though the diminutive agent of chaos is a far cry from the nonthreatening affability of Mickey Mouse, his character design has an undeniable appeal.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025
According to a police report from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the trouble for the diminutive comedian (real name: Juan Espinosa), began around 2 a.m., near Rockledge.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 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
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Yes, Georgia and Paul split this season as the blowback from the trial — and Paul's support of Proposition 38, disastrous for small businesses — imperiled his mayoral career.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
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Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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Until recently, there was little doctors could do to address the lack of sperm needed to fertilize an egg, other than using donor sperm.—
Alice Park,
Time,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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And with the ability to connect more than 120 devices, the tiny Slate 7 is suitable for use by work teams, families and multi-device users.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Don't give in to temptation and cross over with your mower—not even a tiny bit.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Diminutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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