Synonyms for

Diminishing

Verb / dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪŋ / Another word for diminishing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Diminishing means becoming smaller or less.

Synonyms & similar words

decrease fall diminish increase lessen belittle decreasing shrinking reducing lowering weakening narrowing fading dwindling declining contracting lessening abating dimming ebbing tapering dropping slowing curtailing sinking thinning

Synonyms by register

Formal

decreasing reducing lessening declining

Informal

shrinking going down dropping waning

Literary

ebbing fading subsiding

Antonyms

increasing growing expanding amplifying escalating waxing mounting

Common collocations

  • diminishing returns
  • diminishing capacity
  • diminishing power
  • diminishing importance
  • diminishing returns on investment
  • diminishing marginal utility
  • diminishing eyesight

Word family

noun diminution
verb diminish
adjective diminishing
adverb diminishingly

Usage note

Often used to describe a gradual reduction in size, amount, or importance. Be mindful of its use with 'returns' to describe a point where further investment yields less profit.

Example sentences

  1. The sun is diminishing as it sets in the sky.
  2. The amount of food in the fridge is diminishing.
  3. The flowers in the garden are diminishing as the weather gets colder.
  4. The number of people in the park is diminishing as it gets darker outside.
  5. The diminishing light made it difficult to read.

Quotes

  • The power of imagination makes us infinite in a world that is diminishing.
  • The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man.
  • When a man has lost all happiness, he's not alive. Call him a breathing corpse.

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