little 1 of 3

Definition of littlenext
1
2
3
4
5

little

2 of 3

adverb

little

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word little distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When is diminutive a more appropriate choice than little?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

In what contexts can miniature take the place of little?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When would minute be a good substitute for little?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of little?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of little
Adjective
All three were cult exploitation films from Brownrigg, a producer-director known for his ability to create creepiness with very little money. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 7 Feb. 2026 Because those services were voluntary, however, parents often skipped or refused the services, and faced little consequence from the child welfare department. Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
However, there’s been little so far in terms of efforts to install the necessary guardrails to ensure abuses don’t happen again. Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026 During that series, Jack left New York to go to college and was little seen in later episodes. Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
These bags offer warmth, safety, and peace of mind for parents who want to bring their littles on all of their camping trips. Joe Jackson, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 Kaling loves to share a look into life with her three littles, Katherine, Spencer and Anne, but never posts the kids' faces. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little
Adjective
  • Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sometimes just a couple of hours with someone, or several short meetings, can really get someone moving in a different way.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This seems odd but ripening fruit releases small amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of the arrangement.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But the geographical distance is small compared to the geopolitical canyon the Games hope to bridge.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Experts believe the crown’s flexible mount was strained when thieves wrenched it from its display through a narrow slot cut by the angle grinder, according to a report by the Louvre.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • While investigators continue to evaluate the validity of the notes, some Americans may wonder if the Bitcoin address would be enough to find the culprit or at least narrow the search for the kidnapper.
    Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Holly didn't have access to the safe except for brief times when it was opened by his father, according to the lawyer.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • These small action figures, which can be physically folded and clicked into place, offer a brief break from the constant screen tapping many kids do at mealtimes.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hummingbirds are attracted to a number of flowering plants, but many people choose to install hummingbird feeders to attract these diminutive, fast-flying birds.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
  • While the Heat over the years have succeeded with smaller guards, the majority of success stories with those of diminutive stature are those with stockier builds, such as Tim Hardaway, Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry or even current bulldog Davion Mitchell.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • In contrast to Luckin's typical offerings priced at roughly $1 or $2 for an Americano or latte, the flagship store has nudged prices slightly higher for a range of pour-over and cold brew coffee drinks.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Hosting a Super Bowl party for 10 people is expected to cost about $140, only slightly higher than last year, according to the report.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • School photos are rarely acceptable without a release from the photographer.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And while tensions on the Korean Peninsula often capture global headlines, these issues rarely affect daily life in Seoul.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The numbers have been slowly ticking up for over a year – a rare bit of good news for a government that has spent billions of dollars for more than a decade encouraging people to do just that.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • What & Why Rhode Island digs into this curious bit of beach trivia.
    Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 7 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on little

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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