ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diminishes

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪz// UK //dɪmˈɪnɪʃɪz// di·min·ish·es

v. to become smaller, weaker, or less important. You use this when something is slowly fading away or losing its value.

v. to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or intensity. Often describes abstract qualities like power, influence, or value.


SIMPLE

The noise diminishes as we walk away from the city.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's influence in the market diminishes every year as new competitors emerge with better technology.

COMPLEX

While the physical symptoms of the illness may fade quickly, the psychological impact often diminishes at a much slower rate, requiring months of careful support.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb can be used transitively (to diminish something) or intransitively (something diminishes).

© 2026 English Reference