1
as in little
of a size that is less than average a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word small distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of small are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

In what contexts can diminutive take the place of small?

In some situations, the words diminutive and small are roughly equivalent. However, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of small?

The meanings of little and small largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When could miniature be used to replace small?

The words miniature and small can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When is it sensible to use minute instead of small?

The words minute and small are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

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

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 small Its healing spa, small beach club, and attentive service match the quality of the food. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 The other, the Iside Tin handbag, a more compact version of the original, was named after the way the Milanese refer to something small. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 The players went on a bonding trip to Bethpage Black last month, a small group featuring Donald, his vice-captains, the caddies, and the minimum support staff needed to facilitate the administration. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify Benadryl’s sedative effects and interfere with daily functioning. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • But China’s economic data offers little confirmation that a genuine and sustainable rebound is underway, market watchers said.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Reeves and Winter are often swallowed up by the bottomless void their characters occupy, with very little room to let loose and play.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anderson has been responsible for some of the greatest ones of the 21st century, and even his off titles are pretty good, which makes ranking his work a particular challenge.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
  • But even in his off hours, Boose is still working.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s only a slight chance of minor solar storms before activity settles down again.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In retrospect, an extra rehab start in the minors in July might have prevented his minor-league starts in September.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In their recommendation, Warner and Kaine said Nachmanoff supervised a team that represented more than 2,500 clients accused of federal violations ranging from petty offenses to capital murder.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Phantom Thread is a masterfully claustrophobic portrayal of a ’50s fashion house, as well as a nuanced depiction of a petty despot ruling over his small kingdom.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Thankfully, most garages will accommodate both, as these are diminutive vehicles when compared to any American iron of the era.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
  • With the New York defense in disarray, the diminutive magician dinked the ball over the goalkeeper before wheeling away in celebration.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Streep wore a vinyl trench coat from the SS25 runway collection, with a lamé animalier shirt, slim-fit trousers, a leopard print belt, a leopard print faux fur Marlene clutch and green pumps.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Usimad Mesh Pointed-Toe Mule Heels My best guess for Kidman’s shoes are a brown pointed-toe heeled mule with a slim instep strap.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This marked a slight increase on figures from August, during which time Moscow claimed to have downed 2,786 Ukrainian drones at an average rate of nearly 90 per day.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • International undergraduate enrollment stayed the same, with a slight increase in international freshmen, Miner said.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aquila served as a parochial vicar in two parishes from 1976 to 1982 and then as pastor at Denver’s Guardian Angels Parish from 1982 to 1987.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Or if that is not parochial enough, there are some decent Carabao Cup ties on Tuesday, with Manchester United’s conquerors Grimsby Town going to Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace hosting Millwall, a replay of last season’s bruising FA Cup clash.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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