To make or cause to seem smaller or less; to reduce; to decrease (verb)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “To make or cause to seem smaller or less; to reduce; to decrease (verb)”? The solution is DIMINISH, a 8-letter word built on the root MIN (“make small, lessen”). It appeared in the July 31, 2026 (Friday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
DIMINISH
**MIN***MINmeans “make small, lessen”
In a sentence
Dan will continue to DIMINISH his supply of wood because he enjoys fires on cold winter days.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “To make or cause to seem smaller or less; to reduce; to decrease (verb)” has the answer DIMINISH (8 letters), built on the root MIN, which means “make small, lessen”. Browse the full July 31, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.