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
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diminutive
ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2025
Still, certain audiences will find plenty of appeal in this diminutive machine.
—PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 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
But might Sulawesi have its own diminutive hominins?
—ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2025
Still, certain audiences will find plenty of appeal in this diminutive machine.
—PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 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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Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Seattle did very little to silence those critics in Week 1.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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He was joined by little bro Jason, who's younger than him by 13 months.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And in the case of this particular tiny home, the Timberline model by Amazon brand Allwood, that picture-perfect retreat is just a click away.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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So pack that sunscreen, toss a floppy hat into your weekend bag, and get ready to sip fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2025.
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