small change

noun

Synonyms of small changenext
1
: coins of low denomination
2

Examples of small change in a Sentence

a pocket full of small change The fine is a lot of money to some people, but to him it's small change. My problems are small change compared to yours. He wasn't a major criminal. He was strictly small change.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
February 19 – March 20 A small change at home could make your whole body relax today. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 Because its electrical output responds to small changes in moisture, the system detects physiological signals linked to humidity variations. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026 These small changes can help reduce what children breathe every day. Ryan Brennan may 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Even small changes can make a big difference over time. Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for small change

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of small change was in 1679

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20change. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster