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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 Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025 According to researchers, the uplink concept could be used to build future quantum networks across different geographies using small low-orbit satellites. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025 On a Sunday morning last month, James Taq'ac Amik was huddled on a small bridge with his girlfriend. Emily Schwing, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025 Imai, 27, is smaller than the typical pitcher, listed at 5-feet-11 and 154 pounds. Maria Torres, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • Dick is sympathetic to Leroy’s perspective, noting that being Black in the military means having your personal life scrutinized, which is little comfort for Charlotte.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Sketches such as last night’s Oval Office monologue compact the coal of the administration’s info dumps into little diamonds of comedy, freeing the writers and cast to pursue more escapist fare.
    Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Other Republicans say the criticism of the party’s performance is overkill, noting that the major elections of the evening took place in blue-leaning states during an off-year election.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Superstar Victor Wembanyama had an off night, scoring just nine points to go with nine rebounds and four blocks.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The only way that such a minor joke would set a fiancée off is if her engagement was already in a delicate place, and that is none of the housewives’ jobs to fix.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The concept alone made headlines across the political aisle when the show was first announced, but the its digital marketing across Instagram and TikTok has turned it into a minor sensation.
    David Zucker, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Beccuau said the suspects charged so far appear to be petty criminals and blue-collar workers from northern Paris suburbs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • She also was cited on suspicion of disobeying a police officer, a petty offense that carries a fine.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Spanning 828 square feet, the diminutive house stands a block and a half from Long Branch Beach.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Tyrannosaurus rex did, in fact, have a diminutive relative in North America.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, who both stand alone as the only squads in their division with winning records, every other divisional leader holds only a slim edge over rivals in hot pursuit.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Carpenter went in the opposite direction with a slim satin stiletto from Pedro García.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Nobody who has even a slight awareness of how the organization does business expected the Ravens to trade multiple Day 1/2 draft picks for a player.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Boston has the opportunity to shell out a qualifying offer for the veteran hurler, which would be a slight raise worth roughly $22 million.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During this time frame, a narrow, intense lake-effect snow band, only about 10 miles wide, will be capable of thunder, wind gusts near 35 mph and near-zero visibility at its peak.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on small

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