Definition of smallnext
1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word small distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of small are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

In what contexts can diminutive take the place of small?

In some situations, the words diminutive and small are roughly equivalent. However, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of small?

The meanings of little and small largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When could miniature be used to replace small?

The words miniature and small can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When is it sensible to use minute instead of small?

The words minute and small are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of small?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of small Chocolate chips can provide small amounts of nutrients, although the exact nutritional profile depends on the type. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026 Then, check out even more small crossbody bags and water bottle holders below. Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 After taking over Times Square on Monday night, a somewhat smaller contingent of Norwegians two days later seized control of the centerfield bleachers at Citi Field. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026 There are also French, Japanese, sushi, Cantonese, yakitori and Italian restaurants within the property, plus a small Bar Oak for a nightcap. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • Yet at the individual and family level, there was little.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • For example, when the question comes up if a certain weird little alien on a space bus who sounds unmistakably like Seth Rogen is actually Rogen.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • If Democrats retake the House with a slim margin, the bloc of progressive and democratic socialist members—Mamdani allies among them—will have significant leverage over the speaker’s agenda.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • There's also Meta Glasses by Kylie, a slim oval frame designed in collaboration with model Kylie Jenner that unlocks her voice for AI assistance, for $100 more.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami that slowed him in the lead-up to the World Cup.
    Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Nearly four-fifths of respondents said that gas prices present some sort of strain, with 34% categorizing it as a major strain and 44% calling it a minor strain.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, Defendants appear to be actively undermining the restoration of the Kennedy Center’s name, in a petty act of defiance.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 June 2026
  • The two deaths join a long list of other instances of Black Americans dying in interactions with police after accusations of petty criminal offenses.
    TRAVIS LOLLER, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • And a scene depicting a barroom brawl among little people, interrupted by similarly diminutive cops and paramedics, feels like it could have been devised by Buñuel.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • The diminutive menu contained just three sandwiches, two salads and a single dessert.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • There's a marginal risk of severe weather near the Twin Cities, with a slight risk in the central and northwestern part of the state.
    Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Man, to see that Curaçao player — in a moment that’s quite important to him, that is earned over so many years of effort — give a slight nod to the invisible man, that warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The narrow 3-2 decision was made at a meeting early Friday morning, the third and final such vote on a data center moratorium.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Group 1 is pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and severe version that occurs when blood vessels in the lungs narrow and stiffen.
    Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Merlin, a 2-year-old duck, has taken the internet by storm, captivating fans with his tiny form-fitting Team Mexico jersey and confident waddle around his home of Mexico City.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • Providing indefinite joy for the price of just one night at a hotel, this Instagram-worthy blow-up shelter is practically a portable tiny home that sets up within a few minutes.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on small

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster