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 capitalized
: of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
Synonyms
Examples of minimal in a Sentence
The storm caused minimal damage.
areas at minimal risk for flooding
Recent Examples on the Web
Within that review: a number of ideas, thoughts, and opinions that could easily transfer over to this first sequel, with minimal edits.
—
Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 July 2024
The pearls reflect light beautifully, meaning minimal effort for a look with a high, shimmery payoff.
—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 16 July 2024
Various pieces of federal and state legislation have excluded or provided minimal labor protections for farmworkers, including the National Labor Relations Act, which excludes farmworkers from protections for worker organizing and collective bargaining.
—Alexis J. Handal, The Conversation, 15 July 2024
Supremely padded footbeds offer significant arch support and cushioning without making the shoes bulky, and the lightweight design easily fits into a personal item while taking up minimal space for your other essentials.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for minimal 
Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 July 2024
The pearls reflect light beautifully, meaning minimal effort for a look with a high, shimmery payoff.
—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 16 July 2024
Various pieces of federal and state legislation have excluded or provided minimal labor protections for farmworkers, including the National Labor Relations Act, which excludes farmworkers from protections for worker organizing and collective bargaining.
—Alexis J. Handal, The Conversation, 15 July 2024
Supremely padded footbeds offer significant arch support and cushioning without making the shoes bulky, and the lightweight design easily fits into a personal item while taking up minimal space for your other essentials.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for minimal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near minimal
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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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