fine print

noun

: something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure

especially : a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language

Examples of fine print in a Sentence

Read the fine print before you sign the contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

Promotions can include fine print about eligibility, qualifying deposits, bonus tiers and payout timing. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 17 July 2026

But this year, rumors suggest the company is doing away with this upgrade option amid the RAM crunch, or at least adding some fine print that would make customers pay for part of the usually gratis level-up. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Much easier than reading the fine print somewhere on the packaging the old-fashioned way. — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Kurt's key takeaways Tesla Robotaxi arriving in Miami is no doubt a big headline, but the fine print is important too. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fine print

• fingerprint
• mezzotint
• overprint
• peppermint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint

Legal Definition

fine print

noun

: a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions or limitations often in small type or obscure language