Synonyms of small-timenext
: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : petty
small-time thieves
small-timer noun

Examples of small-time in a Sentence

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.
Chemical Analyst is a small-time, independent dealer who supplies powerful drugs without a cartel or gang for support. Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Superfakes is about a small-time Chinatown luxury counterfeit dealer who enters a dangerous black-market underworld in order to fund a life of suburban respectability for her family. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026 The proceeds paid off the loss of the second smuggle and, crucially, fulfilled the original trio’s obligations to the small-time dealer who had fronted them the cash to buy The Escape in return for a commitment to two successful smuggles. Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026 What Jack doesn’t bet on is the re-emergence of Wendy’s toxic ex-boyfriend Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), a small-time pilot who isn’t made any less attractive for the fact that his life is in shambles. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small-time

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small-time was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-time. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on small-time

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