diminish
verb
di·min·ish
də-ˈmi-nish 
diminished; diminishing; diminishes
1
: to make less or cause to appear less
diminish an army's strength
His role in the company was diminished.
2
: to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle
diminish a rival's accomplishments
3
architecture
: to cause to taper (see taper entry 1 sense 1)
a diminished column
1
: to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
the side effects tend to diminish over time
2
architecture
: taper
Synonyms
Examples of diminish in a Sentence
The strength of the army was greatly diminished by outbreaks of disease.
The drug's side effects should diminish over time.
Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions.
Recent Examples on the Web
As new ways become familiar, employees recognize their advantages, and resistance gradually diminishes.
—
Peter Follows, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Black Lives Matter is severely diminished as an institution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
But now, arrivals have diminished significantly, and officials closed the city’s last migrant shelter last month.
—Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024
The number of fruit falling from the trees is greatly diminished as well.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diminish 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Peter Follows, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Black Lives Matter is severely diminished as an institution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
But now, arrivals have diminished significantly, and officials closed the city’s last migrant shelter last month.
—Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024
The number of fruit falling from the trees is greatly diminished as well.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diminish
Dictionary Entries Near diminish
Cite this Entry
“Diminish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diminish. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diminish
verb
di·min·ish
də-ˈmin-ish
1
: to make less or cause to appear less
2
: to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle
3
: to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share