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Definition of miniaturenext
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
Animal figurines, old postcards, miniature sculptures and other unexpected objects can add personality without overwhelming a room. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 There is a rotation of animals also on display in the Livestock area on the opposite end of the fairgrounds, with llamas, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, Friesian horses and more visiting as various competitions and exhibits are held. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
Noun
This was the Davis method in miniature — an executive willing to override conventional industry wisdom about what an artist should release, proved right by the market. Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 For Gerber, the miniature serves as more than a nostalgic attraction. Daily News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • Things slowly improved as drummers were encouraged at Arrowhead, but even a big turnout of 20,000 fans looked tiny in a stadium that could seat four times that number.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Unlike a felt-tip pen, which delivers a relatively consistent line, a brush liner behaves more like a tiny paintbrush.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • As a result, this could cause diminished reproduction cycles for the whales.
    Pat Mueller, USA Today, 20 July 2026
  • Studies show warmer winters have also extended their reproduction period and reduced cold fatalities.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
    Dakota Smith, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Scientists at Aalto University in Finland have built the world’s first cyclic heat engine, operating inside a superconducting circuit and using a minuscule amount of heat from a quantum refrigerator to convert it into useful work.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • To make access easier, there is no need to log in to view the digital replica of the newspaper.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • New York's Fashion Workers Act separately requires written consent before creating or using an AI digital replica of a model.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike their more useful counterparts, silicon-29 and germanium-73 possess nuclear spin—a tiny magnetic property that acts like countless microscopic magnets scattered throughout the material.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
  • That microscopic shift alters the laser beams ever so slightly, producing a tiny flicker of light that alerts scientists to a distant cosmic event.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Bosses recently told Deadline that microdrama has moved well beyond cheap, schlocky imitations of traditional TV and film.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • And Chinese imitation isn’t something that will inherently kill the American frontier labs.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • This follows an incident where OpenAI models autonomously exploited system flaws, showcasing advanced capabilities.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Transactions at wholesale clubs that sell consumer goods and services through a membership model can also be done without cash.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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