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
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
Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
For 21 years, the Cadillac Escalade SUV has been the marque’s most successful luxury Hulk: big and brazen, powered by a bellowing V-8, and ready to dominate any diminutive car on the road.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 16 July 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
While some had come to watch America’s favorite pastime, others waited with bated breath, eyes on the digital screens set up around the arena — eager to see a diminutive anime girl with white hair and shark teeth appear.
—Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
For 21 years, the Cadillac Escalade SUV has been the marque’s most successful luxury Hulk: big and brazen, powered by a bellowing V-8, and ready to dominate any diminutive car on the road.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 16 July 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 Kitchen by Cooking with Que is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays as a small café. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected].—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
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Bringing bold wallpaper into a small space can be a fun way to add a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, and that is precisely what Laws did in this 40-square-foot half-bath.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 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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If Brookshire bounces back the next year, Schroth predicts there will be little reaction from neighbors.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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From returning carts to sharing smiles in the checkout line, shoppers often engage in little acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Noun
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This is often best for items like baby clothing and toys—especially since babies outgrow this stuff at lightning speed, and your parent friends will want to pass this stuff along and get it out of their homes.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
22 July 2025
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Over time, Osbourne leaned into the story, clowning around with fake bats onstage, and eventually releasing a plush bat toy.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.—
Jennie Punter,
Variety,
14 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://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diminutive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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