little 1 of 3

adjective

ˈli-tᵊl How to pronounce little (audio)
Definition of littlenext
1
as in short
having relatively little height there was a little hedge separating the two lawns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in small
lacking importance there were just a few little details left to take care of

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in narrow
not broad or open in views or opinions little-minded people who dislike the fact that human society is always progressing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in brief
not lasting for a considerable time let's take a little pause to relax

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in diminutive
of a size that is less than average the petting zoo has a little horse in addition to all of the goats and sheep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

little

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in slightly
in a very small quantity or degree we had little more than we needed to survive in the wilderness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rarely
not often he's been studying very little for the bar exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

little

3 of 3

noun

as in bit
a very small amount there's just a little of the pie left

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word little distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When is diminutive a more appropriate choice than little?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

In what contexts can miniature take the place of little?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When would minute be a good substitute for little?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of little?

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 little
Adjective
Does little Arabella care about going to another stuffy awards dinner with her pompous dad? — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 At the beginning of the movie, she's still traumatized by her experience on the Nostromo, and her employers at Weyland-Yutani are doing little to help. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Adverb
Benefits Technology Has Fallen Behind As a product, the HSA has changed little since it was introduced in 2003. — Dave Etling, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Most urban Russians in those days were little more than one generation removed from their peasant roots, so just about everyone remembered the relevant skills. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026
Noun
Adults might opt for spa treatments and relaxing in an above-water cabin but littles can spend the day snorkeling or heading of to supervised activities on the resort. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 Most are backward-looking, which does little to help workers focus on growth. — Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little
  1. short
  2. small
  3. narrow
  4. brief
  5. diminutive
  6. slightly
  7. rarely
  8. bit
Adjective
  • Argentina, on the shorter side physically, have relied on occupying the middle of the box and targeting the near post from either side.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Despite the short appearance, Caglianone was crowned as a future superstar and someone to watch moving forward.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
    — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of small
Adjective
  • The broad straps offset the lower neckline, which scoops at its narrowest point for a softer look, rather than forming a harsh line.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
  • Plans with lower monthly costs often have narrower networks of doctors and hospitals, and less generous drug coverage.
    — Renuka Rayasam, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • The French back line hesitated for a brief second, anticipating a potential foul, but Porro pressed the advantage and side-footed a shot past Mike Maignan in the 58th minute for the backbreaking goal.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Assemblywoman Darshana Patel, a San Diego Democrat, research scientist and local school board member, cogently expressed that hope during the Assembly’s brief floor debate.
    — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • For the second World Cup in a row, the final is settled deep into extra time with the only goal from a diminutive midfielder.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Despite its name, the island’s diminutive national instrument has 10 strings in five courses, and possesses a bright, sunny tone that cuts to the front of an ensemble.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of diminutive
Adverb
  • On one hand, England fans are swigging beer in the sun with a familiar slightly nervous look on their face as the pressure is now on their team to deliver.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
  • Generally, rents have seen modest increases in coastal areas, while slightly declining in inland communities, though there are exceptions.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Definition of slightly
Adverb
  • Les Bleus had looked unstoppable, while La Roja had been winning but rarely impressing.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Researchers conducted the study on 365 adults between the ages of 55 and 80 who rarely ate fish and were considered to be at risk for Alzheimer’s.
    — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 14 July 2026
Definition of rarely
Noun
  • This pacing problem extends to subplots like the Henry-in-a-coma bit.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Scientists pointed out that the abrasion bit the rover used to expose the rocks was sterilized before launch and has cut into other rocks across Jezero without ever producing a G-band this strong.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026
Definition of bit

Phrases Containing little

Browse Nearby Words

litters
little
little bitty
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Cite this Entry

“Little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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