miniature 1 of 2

miniature

2 of 2

noun

as in reproduction
an exact representation of something in greatly reduced size a diorama filled with miniatures of town buildings as they looked in the 19th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word miniature distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of miniature are diminutive, little, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When might diminutive be a better fit than miniature?

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

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of miniature?

The synonyms little and miniature are sometimes interchangeable, but little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

In what contexts can minute take the place of miniature?

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

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of miniature?

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

a relatively small backyard

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of miniature?

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 miniature
Adjective
Ten million years ago, these cracks began to merge with the nearby Green River, causing miniature underground rivers and caverns to develop. Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025 The placement of each element is meticulously planned to create an artistic and spiritual composition, replicating in miniature natural elements such as streams, rivers, ponds, waterfalls, mountains and hills. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
Noun
Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature. Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025 Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0? Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.
    Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • An unconventional approach to reproduction is reportedly reducing the risk of metabolic disease.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
  • Faced with the choice between reproduction and self-preservation… the females appear to be choosing the latter.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But his minuscule resupply plan only will get more Ukrainians and Russians killed for nothing.
    John Seiler, Oc Register, 21 July 2025
  • This is a tiny, minuscule portion of our federal government, which obviously has bloat and redundancies and places where fat can be trimmed.
    Michel Martin, NPR, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • In one extreme case, SAFE even designed a private replica of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit—complete with harbor and tunnel—for a client’s children to race 100+ mph electric karts underground.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2025
  • Between historical buildings, replica buildings, and museum exhibits, there are dozens of access points into the past at Manatee Village Historical Park.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • But this study shows chimpanzees might also be into social imitation for the sake of it.
    Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
  • Deirdre O'Connell gets a supporting actress mention for doing a broad imitation of Nancy Marchand’s performance as Tony's nightmare mother on The Sopranos.
    Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The pool brand names and model numbers can be found on the pool liner on the outside of the pool.
    Melina Khan, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • As for the model’s market value, a 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT sold for $1.765 million through the Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions in March.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 21 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on miniature

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!