minimal
adjective
min·i·mal
ˈmi-nə-məl 
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
Examples of minimal in a Sentence
The storm caused minimal damage.
areas at minimal risk for flooding
Recent Examples on the Web
Just look at the initial whitewash of the Watergate scandal at Richard Nixon's library and the minimal account at Bill Clinton's library of his impeachment.
—
Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Tired of spending large portions of already minimal means of disposable income on clothing that doesn’t retain its original shape, color or structure after a few wears, shoppers of today’s turbulent economic climate are hyper-focused on cost-per-wear when purchasing clothing online and in-person.
—Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
This lightweight yet roomy bag completely flips the script on traditional carry-ons, coming in at just $128 and packing useful features into a minimal footprint.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
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Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Tired of spending large portions of already minimal means of disposable income on clothing that doesn’t retain its original shape, color or structure after a few wears, shoppers of today’s turbulent economic climate are hyper-focused on cost-per-wear when purchasing clothing online and in-person.
—Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
This lightweight yet roomy bag completely flips the script on traditional carry-ons, coming in at just $128 and packing useful features into a minimal footprint.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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Medical Definition
minimal
adjective
min·i·mal
ˈmin-ə-məl
: 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.
J. S. Keene et al.residents receive a minimal level of personal care—A. S. Oser
A. S. Oserside effects are minimal
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