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

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Examples of minimal in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Generals starter Ryan Atkinson worked his way out the jam, leaving the bases loaded with minimal damage. — Birmingham Barons, AL.com, "Jackson Takes Game Three, Series with 8-1 Win," 18 Apr. 2018 In this system, pretrial discovery—the legal term for disclosing information—was minimal. — Longreads, "The Bungled Bank Robbery That Ended in a Landmark Legal Ruling," 26 June 2018 Taking more of a minimal and refined route, Meghan's bridal gown featured a boat neckline bodice, long sleeves and a sheer cascading veil adorned with lace trim. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "How Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Compared to Kate Middleton's," 19 May 2018 Noel is coming in at basically no risk to the Thunder, with a minimal impact on their salary cap. — Rohan Nadkarni, SI.com, "Grades: With Two Stars Intact, Thunder Shore Up Frontcourt Through Grant, Noel Deals," 2 July 2018 Limiting such investment will also have minimal impact on the domestic Chinese economy. — Zachary Karabell, WIRED, "Trump's Trade War Won't Hurt China. It Could Hurt US Tech," 27 June 2018 He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after one season of minimal impact. — Rick Bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Hornets still have a hole on roster. Here are 6 free agent possibilities to fill it.," 26 June 2018 Major League Baseball’s decision to ban teams from signing Mexican League players will have minimal impact on the Padres’ activity in the 2018-2019 international signing period that opens July 2. — Jeff Sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres won't be greatly affected by MLB decision to ban signing of Mexican players," 22 June 2018 When done in the public interest, medical researchers argue that the GDPR will have a minimal impact on biomedical research. — Joseph Jerome, STAT, "Look to the EU’s new privacy law as a model for replacing the ‘confusing patchwork’ in the U.S.," 18 June 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.

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Dictionary Entries near minimal

minimal brain dysfunction

minimalism

Statistics for minimal

Last Updated

8 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for minimal

The first known use of minimal was in 1666

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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