least 1 of 2

Definition of leastnext

least

2 of 2

noun

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 least
Adjective
Meanwhile, federal safety-net clinics that serve low-income populations generated the least revenue, with some operating at a net loss. — Christina Smith, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026 McLean went at least six innings in 15 of his last 17 starts, and allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of his last 19. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
The scales will be tipped by those least connected to the political parties, and most connected to deliberative process. — David Paleologos, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2019 Respondents were asked to rank 39 possible trends—25 of which were trends from previous years—from 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend). — Leah Prinzivalli, SELF, 1 Nov. 2018 See All Example Sentences for least
Recent Examples of Synonyms for least
Adjective
  • Given just how striking Paulson’s dress was, the actress opted to keep her accessories mostly minimal, save for a pair of dangling Swedish grace earrings courtesy of Engelbert.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • While floating-rate and short-duration instruments offer attractive yields with no or minimal interest-rate risk, investors can pick up some additional income by moving out slightly longer to intermediate-term bonds.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In the trailer, the civilians are selling themselves as a new breed of nobodies.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the tragicomic instability and the rotating cast of nobodies temporarily tasked with running the country, when seen in macroeconomic terms, Peru appears to be doing just fine, thank you.
    — Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • And in taking Perim Island, which lies in the middle the Red Sea at the strait’s narrowest point (a mere 12½ miles), the Houthis could harass ships with ease.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Legendary computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton warned AI could wipe out humanity as a mere byproduct of its zeal to accomplish a more innocent task.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Your little girl was a little -- your littlest girl was a little naughty.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • All of our top picks for the littlest kids are $30 or less today.
    — Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Earlier on Tuesday, Swift quietly updated her Instagram bio to feature three zeroes.
    — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the ‘90s-style video of the song, Swift participates in a dance competition and receives three zeroes from the judges.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The women earned as little as $25 per game—or frequently zilch.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Reviews have been mixed, with some critics embracing Gyllenhaal’s bold vision and others dismissing it as a whole lot of sound and fury, signifying zilch.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During the Biden Administration, Pakistan had become a virtual pariah in Washington, or had been reduced to a nonentity, as the United States left Afghanistan and saw India as a means of countering China.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • All Dickens heroes are complete nonentities who know 217 wacky people.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/least. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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