minimal

adjective min·i·mal \ ˈmi-nə-məl \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Examples: minimal in a Sentence

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

—

minimally

play \-mə-lē\ adverb

See minimal defined for English-language learners

See minimal defined for kids

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of minimal from the Web

Prior to about 2003, China bought minimal amounts of Alaska seafood — less than $100 million per year — mirroring demand growth in the country for other Alaska products as well.

— author: elwood brehmer, Anchorage Daily News, "Some Alaska seafood exports escape China’s retaliatory tariffs," 13 July 2018
Because this was such a no-brainer for the series and lead actor nominations (and for writing), that the only thing taking the minimal amount of effort or interest were directing and supporting categories, which the TV Academy totally screwed up.

— tim goodman, The Hollywood Reporter, "THR's TV Critics Debate the Highs and Lows of the 2018 Emmy Nominations," 12 July 2018
Accessories were minimal too, with a gold buckle belt, black clutch, and the same heels from her earlier appearance.

— lucy wood, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Braves Athletic Field in Heels at Ireland's Croke Park," 11 July 2018
The damage to the apartment was minimal, Billiter said, but the units are currently uninhabitable due to damage to the gas meter.

— kellen browning, sacbee, "Attic fire displaces apartment residents in south Sacramento," 7 July 2018
Because our brains impulsively look for mental shortcuts to navigate a perplexing world with minimal effort.

— steven p. dinkin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "The single mom and the unconscious bias," 1 July 2018
For example, rice milk, coconut milk and almond milk provide minimal amounts of protein.

— lisa drayer, CNN, "Got alt-milk? How plant-based alternatives compare," 31 May 2018
Senior Juma Sei expended minimal effort in posting the top qualifying times in the 100, 200 and 400, while Dawit Dean is the top qualifier in the 800.

— OregonLive.com, "Oregon high school state track and field Day 1: Photos, highlights, team races, top performances," 18 May 2018
This is something anyone could discover with minimal effort.

— dan goodin, Ars Technica, "Website leaked real-time location of most US cell phones to almost anyone," 17 May 2018

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.

First Known Use of minimal

1666

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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minimal Synonyms

MINIMAL Defined for English Language Learners

minimal

adjective

Definition of minimal for English Language Learners

: very small or slight in size or amount

Medical 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

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minimal

Definition of minimal

minimally

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

Recent Examples of minimal from the Web

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minimal Synonyms

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MINIMAL Defined for English Language Learners

minimal

Definition of minimal for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

minimal

medical Definition of minimal

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