minimal

adjective

min·i·mal | \ ˈmi-nə-məl

Definition 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 capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism

Other Words from minimal Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about minimal

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples on the Web

At zero hierarchy, individuals act disparately and the uncoordinated group output is minimal. — WSJ, "Letters: Constructal Law Faces the Deconstructalists," 8 Feb. 2019 Probiotic properties of apple cider vinegar are minimal at best. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "The Real Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, According to a Nutritionist," 21 Nov. 2018 Thursday's eruption, which occurred before dawn, produced an impressive ash plume, but otherwise caused minimal damage to surrounding areas. — NBC News, "Hawaii's Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes but less deadly than others," 17 May 2018 Some dermatologists and studies say the UV lamps that quickly cure gel polish put fans of the treatment at higher risk for skin cancer, while others say the exposure is so minimal that there's nothing to worry about. — Marci Robin, Allure, "These Fingerless Gloves Promise to Protect Your Hands From Gel Manicure Lamps' UV Damage," 11 May 2018 Colleges and universities in Texas and Florida reported minimal damage and rebounded quickly. — Erica L. Green And Emily Cochrane, New York Times, "In Devastated Puerto Rico, Universities Get Just a Fraction of Storm Aid," 1 May 2018 The risks for living donors are minimal, and the average donor experiences no impact on their kidney function or life expectancy. — Dan Ariely, WSJ, "Bigger Gifts Aren’t Always Better," 4 Jan. 2019 The scarring was very minimal, and the healing process was fine. — Jacqueline Andriakos, SELF, "What Appendicitis Really Feels Like, From 13 People Who Have Been There," 16 Oct. 2018 But flashes of anxiety were minimal; a five-day window meant more time had to be spent writing our vows than worrying about the particulars. — Phoebe Lapine, Marie Claire, "How to Marry a Guy in Five Days," 18 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about minimal

Dictionary Entries near minimal

minimal brain dysfunction

minimalism

Statistics for minimal

Last Updated

9 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for minimal

The first known use of minimal was in 1666

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for minimal

minimal

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of minimal

: very small or slight in size or amount

See the full definition for minimal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

minimal

adjective

min·i·mal | \ ˈmin-ə-məl

Medical Definition of minimal

: 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