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Definitions

diminish

[dih-min-ish] / dɪˈmɪn ɪʃ /
VERB
become or cause to be less
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curtail decline decrease dwindle ebb lessen lower recede reduce shrink slacken subside temper wane weaken
STRONG
abbreviate attenuate close contract cut depreciate drain extenuate minify moderate retrench shrivel taper
WEAK
become smaller die out fade away peter out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop enlarge expand extend grow increase prolong raise rise strengthen
STRONG
amplify lengthen
WEAK
compliment flatter praise
VERB
belittle
Synonyms
STRONGEST
detract from minimize
STRONG
abuse cheapen decry demean depreciate derogate devalue pan
WEAK
bad-mouth cut down to size dispraise dump on give comeuppance knock off high horse poormouth put away put down run down tear down
Antonyms
STRONG
approve commend compliment enhance exalt increase laud praise raise upgrade
WEAK
develop enlarge expand extend flatter grow lengthen prolong

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Creativity doesn’t diminish with age and can be rekindled with fresh subjects and surroundings, as Leonard Nones shows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

With top tech companies shifting their cash flow toward heavily artificial-intelligence-fueled capital expenditure, the buybacks that have supported the market for so long will diminish.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

The U.A.E.’s exit will diminish the influence of Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s de facto leader, and the broader framework that includes Russia and other non-OPEC producers.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

It would inhibit communication with her friends, diminish the entertainment she enjoys and cut her off from role models.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

His right hand was deformed, but it didn’t seem to diminish his self-assurance.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing diminish

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2

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