few 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fewnext
as in limited

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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
Vang has spent much of the last few weeks mobilizing younger and progressive voters through in-person and online events. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Before play resumed, Detroit edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson gathered the defense and delivered a few heartfelt words. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026 Quarterback has been a confounding position for UCF over the past few seasons. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 Before this month, Apple passed Nvidia in July, but Nvidia quickly reclaimed the top spot a few days later. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for few
Recent Examples of Synonyms for few
  1. limited
  2. handful
  3. couple
Adjective
  • Understanding their signals could eventually help people whose illness or limited mobility makes exercise difficult.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This reduces computational requirements, allowing the system to operate on a moving robot with limited processing resources.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of limited
Noun
  • With the full cooperation of a handful of influential boosters, most notably the late Dick Lowe, Dry was the coach when TCU joined the rest of its SWC members in paying some players when that act was a cardinal sin in NCAA sports.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The technology and infrastructure needed to recycle these materials are also concentrated in a handful of nations, like China.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of handful
Noun
  • While Kimberly held separate contracts to coach school administrators, the couple’s latest account confirms SYDKIMYL was simultaneously receiving CMS funding specifically for Raki’s services.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Bregman overcame a tough start to the season with shaky defense the first couple of weeks.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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