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miniature

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noun

as in reproduction
an exact representation of something in greatly reduced size a diorama filled with miniatures of town buildings as they looked in the 19th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word miniature distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of miniature are diminutive, little, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When might diminutive be a better fit than miniature?

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

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of miniature?

The synonyms little and miniature are sometimes interchangeable, but little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

In what contexts can minute take the place of miniature?

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

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of miniature?

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

a relatively small backyard

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of miniature?

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 miniature
Adjective
Most sustainability functions have been designed like miniature compliance teams. Gus Bartholomew, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025 Additional miniature formats and wider availability across global retail partners started in September. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
Finally, there were also handmade miniatures. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025 As Nicholas Royle argues, the scene of Cinna’s death can easily be treated as a version of Julius Caesar in miniature. JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • From breezing through paperwork to avoiding unnecessary airport delays, this tiny travel hero proves that sometimes the simplest tools are the most important.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
  • But the movie only gives tiny little tastes of 1982 rock culture, and why Nebraska was so comically unsuitable for airplay.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The mice will be used in experiments on reproduction in low Earth orbit.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Shenzhou 21 is also carrying six types of experimental samples and four black mice for experiments related to reproduction in low Earth orbit.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Is there even a minuscule possibility that the White Stripes will appear together for the first time in 16 years?
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile in Taiwan, already minuscule support for reunification dwindles with every passing year.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Having discovered a scarecrow dummy — an exact-looking replica of her costume — stashed in Sharon’s garage, a quick fingerprint dusting revealed a clear fingerprint from the kid who was on her porch at the time of Beryl’s murder.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • President Lee Jae Myung gave Trump a replica of a golden crown significant to Korea's history.
    Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers used a series of methods involving x-rays, CT scans, and microscopic and chemical analyses to ensure that the fleshy parts were indeed just a clay molding.
    Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sushi knives and utensils were found with organic debris, and imitation crab meat was found unrefrigerated.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Even his imitation of 20th-century leadership lacks a certain verve.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Many existing models still rely on empirical methods developed several decades ago.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Political parties in early America subsidized newspapers and became the foundation of the press’s business model.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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