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.
November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026 Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026 Each new version of a work becomes an opportunity for a choreographer to make small changes. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026 Even small changes—like switching underwear styles—can make a difference in flare-prone areas. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 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

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Cite this Entry

“Small change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20change. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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