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
as in dwarf
something (such as an animal) much smaller than others of its kind
dik-diks, the diminutives of the antelope family
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of diminutive
Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Alas, the supermarket's diminutive Asian foods section contains nothing that answers to the description of soy glaze, nor Sichuan peppercorn sauce, with no black sesame seeds to boot.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 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
The diminutive playmaker drove at the heart of the Chelsea defense – attracting the attention of three defenders – before sliding a ball into the path of Ezzalzouli.
—Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Alas, the supermarket's diminutive Asian foods section contains nothing that answers to the description of soy glaze, nor Sichuan peppercorn sauce, with no black sesame seeds to boot.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 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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The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Tell me a little bit about the technical side of filming a dwarf and an elf together.—
Devan Coggan,
EW.com,
13 Oct. 2022
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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
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This time, however, the mound visit had little effect.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2025
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But most of the middle part is missing, and there’s little to explain how the event unfolded from one stage to the next.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
5 July 2025
Noun
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Clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and kitchen wares are among the items needed to help support the ongoing work of the Alliance for African Assistance and its Safari Seconds Thrift Store in San Diego.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 July 2025
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This storage box offers enough space to hold gardening tools, pool toys, furniture covers, and outdoor throw pillows, and it’s made with water-resistant, durable material that can withstand a variety of weather conditions.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Both videos show the pop star on the beach in a tiny, triangle zebra print bikini and a wide-brimmed hat.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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Eventually the Times just acknowledged on the front page what could always be found deeper in the newspaper: that the virus’s lethality was almost totally confined to a tiny percentage of very old Americans; nursing homes the routine locale of deaths once again with the virus.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 July 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://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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