few 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fewnext
as in limited

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Dissimilar Words

few

2 of 2

noun

as in handful
a small number a few of the songs on the album are good, but most are forgettable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 few
Adjective
Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) designed a compound called pentafluorophenyl thiophene imine, or FPTI, to improve the protective layer that forms on graphite during the first few charging cycles. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026 And one, among a few others, that took Dyson engineers almost a decade to solve. — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 Within the last few days, the Channahon Police Department also announced an officer allegedly used the Flock camera system for unauthorized purposes and placed the officer on administrative leave. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 With time dissipating memories of Lahti’s final days, there are few living people left to put into context the rumors of the bar fight, and even a less likely chance that the assailant is still alive. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for few
Recent Examples of Synonyms for few
  1. limited
  2. handful
  3. couple
Adjective
  • During the pandemic, car production was capped, and automakers used their limited capacity on building luxury cars, like Maseratis.
    — David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Powerful Native nations and smaller communities resisted and limited colonial aggression through diplomacy, alliances, petitions and court cases, and wars of resistance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of limited
Noun
  • Conflicting court orders issued on the same day have thrown congressional elections in Missouri into chaos, two months before an election in which a handful of races could decide control of the House.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • One of Toronto’s biggest advantages over the last half-decade is being one of a small handful of teams willing to give out massive free-agent contracts.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of handful
Noun
  • There’s something ineffably touching about the effect on Mi-ok of being around the wealthy couple.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • And even then, the evidence of that instruction proves elusive in this sprawling drama about two very different couples who are brought together by the violent suppression of a workers’ strike at a major Korean metals factory.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of couple

Phrases Containing few

Browse Nearby Words

fevers
few
few and far between
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Few.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/few. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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