miniature 1 of 2

Definition of miniaturenext

miniature

2 of 2

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

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
Merlin, a miniature Vietnamese potbellied pig, was recognized by Guinness World Records for his large Instagram following. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026 Researchers at The University of Manchester are developing miniature soft robots designed to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to tumors in the bowel. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
The film also features a car chase depicted with miniatures and stop-motion animation to convey humanoid figures who have removed their skin. Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Most pieces last for three or four minutes, and the album feels like a collection of closely connected miniatures. Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • Its tulle is brittle and sharp, brushing against my fur like a thousand tiny teeth, a cruel lover that bites with every move.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The astronauts' cells have been placed on tiny chips and distributed throughout the capsule in an effort to understand these effects in greater detail.
    Brendan Byrne, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The results show that reproduction could pose a real challenge for future space settlers, but it still can’t be ruled out as impossible.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The study, from researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia, is just the latest addition to a growing pile of evidence that suggests mammalian reproduction in space might be quite complicated, if not impossible.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even if such minuscule PBHs were created, most of them might be gone by now.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
  • But due to the lack of early round upsets, there are no schools remaining with minuscule budgets, and therefore no third-round matchups with huge financial disparities.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • New selfie spots The Centerfield Plaza will be home to an oversized 2025 World Series replica trophy, alongside the 2024 trophy where fans can take pictures.
    Richard Guzman, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Faux-chrome hubcaps and brick outlines resembling fenders decorate the building’s skin; those giant gargoyles on the corners are overscale replicas of radiator-cap hood ornaments.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dust mites love to luxuriate here too, and these microscopic pests can wreak havoc on your allergies.
    Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Since 1665, when English physicist Robert Hooke coined the term cell to describe the microscopic view of cork, scientists have been developing increasingly sophisticated microscopy tools, enabling them to view ever-smaller details of cellular structure.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The theorist Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick examined the extent to which jealous imitation drives all manner of same-sex relations, straight and gay.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Choose pure vanilla extract (not imitation vanilla) for superior flavor.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Neither of these models seems ideal for the small new town.
    Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • According to Mikus Leghy, the model will be membership based, where seniors can pay a fee to get access to services.
    Sierra Knoch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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