minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
Synonyms of minimalnext
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 Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally adverb

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
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.
Side effects reported from Adam’s first human trial included mild bruising and swelling from the procedure, though these were minimal and resolved within 24 hours. Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026 MassFiscal says the priority by five of the six New England states to implement the use of renewable energy sources is ideologically driven and does not take into account the extreme expenses in building out infrastructure paired with minimal output. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026 Electrolyte losses during sleep are minimal, and most adults get more than enough sodium and potassium through food during the day. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026 The ultimate goal is to have sophisticated agents that work autonomously with minimal user interaction. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimal

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: 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 … treatmentJ. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal careA. S. Oser
side effects are minimal

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