minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
Synonyms of minimal
1
: relating to or being a minimum: such as
a
: the least possible
a victory won with minimal loss of life
b
: barely adequate
a minimal standard of living
c
: very small or slight
a minimal interest in art
2
often Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally
ˈmi-nə-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of minimal

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Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The investment also might have minimal local effect for the Sacramento area, based off a statement provided from Harbinger Sports Partners co-founder and chief investment officer Rashaun Williams to the Review-Journal. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 These advances will definitely help build a future where AI models could actually be run on the phone with minimal power consumption. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 While checking in on Ji at rehab and getting a better idea of the facility’s minimal-security measures, Sugar comes across a mysterious second cell phone in Ji’s backpack. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026 The federal health response to ongoing measles outbreaks, however, has been minimal. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimal

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Phrases Containing minimal

Browse Nearby Words

minim
minimal
minimal art
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Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally
-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions
tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatment—J. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal care—A. S. Oser
side effects are minimal

More from Merriam-Webster on minimal

Nglish: Translation of minimal for Spanish Speakers

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