diminish
21 synonyms and 5 antonyms for diminish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something smaller, weaker, or less important.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use diminish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Shaped by the blending of Old French "diminuer" (from Latin "dīminuo") with the older English word "minish", both meaning to make smaller.
Full origin of diminish →Frequently asked questions
What does “diminish” mean?
The word “diminish” means to make something smaller, weaker, or less important. In plain terms, to shrink something, or to make it seem less important, or to shrink on its own.
How do you pronounce “diminish”?
“Diminish” is pronounced dih-MIH-nihsh (/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “diminish” in a sentence?
Here is “diminish” used in a sentence: “Nothing could diminish her enthusiasm for the project.”
What is another word for “diminish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diminish” include decline, ebb, ooze, abase, abate and belittle.
What is the opposite of “diminish”?
The opposite of “diminish” — its antonyms — are improve, repair, renovate, wax and augment.
What part of speech is “diminish”?
“Diminish” is a verb.
Where does the word “diminish” come from?
The word “diminish” comes from Latin. Shaped by the blending of Old French "diminuer" (from Latin "dīminuo") with the older English word "minish", both meaning to make smaller.
Is “diminish” a common word?
“Diminish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.