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.
As Shundo plays with an elliptical structure — hundreds of years could pass between episodes — those small changes cascade into bigger ones, giving Apocalypse Hotel room to accrue emotional power. Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025 Thrul says while the healthiest option is to not drink at all, even small changes to cut back can offer health benefits. Maria Godoy, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025 According to the new measurements, even small changes in the thickness of that warm-water layer could sharply accelerate melting and push the glacier toward unstable retreat. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025 Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active also influence ovulation and sperm production, even with small changes. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Small change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20change. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

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