minimal

adjective

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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

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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 Both parties benefit from limited restrictions, so the appetite on both sides of the aisle for reform is minimal, Freeman said. — Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Oct. 2021 Through four games — most notably a loss to the Arizona Cardinals —Woods’ role in the offense was minimal. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2021 That means that the impact on the environment will be minimal. — Christian De Looper, BGR, 6 Oct. 2021 The ingredient lists are minimal and the cost of the groceries is low too, relying mostly on cheap dry goods, vegetables, and the occasional protein. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 6 Oct. 2021 Though the clerk’s office handled the city’s FOIA requests, Taylor said the work of the clerk was minimal. — Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, 5 Oct. 2021 Experts say it’s too early to determine the spill’s full impact on the environment, but so far the number of animals found harmed is minimal. — NBC News, 5 Oct. 2021 Trunk space is minimal at 10.5 cubic feet, so pack lightly. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 2 Oct. 2021 Luckily, the damage is usually minimal and amounts to a light pruning for the trees. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 2 Oct. 2021

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

minim

minimal

minimal art

Statistics for minimal

Last Updated

10 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

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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