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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
The proteins fit together in the same way as in eukaryotes, although the structures were made up of five rods, rather than 13, making a miniature tubule. Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 In addition to its use as a flavorful herb, many gardeners grow rosemary in a container as a miniature Christmas tree for the kitchen. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Why Giovanni Loves Molise Molise is Italy in miniature. Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Drones function like miniature, flying garbage trucks Each of Airlift’s DJI drones can haul up to 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) of trash at a time. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • When the tiny home arrives, a semi-permanent setup is as easy as leveling the surface, hooking up utilities, and anchoring the home, if desired, which can be accomplished with the help of the builder’s team.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Every day is a new chance to accurately fix the coördinates of my appearance in clothes, to make tiny adjustments, as if focussing a lens.
    Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Schnuelle had a degree in veterinary medicine with areas of clinical emphasis in dairy production medicine, bovine embryology, and canine reproduction, according to Auburn University's website.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Her father took her to the museum; her mother bought her reproduction posters, books, and art supplies.
    News Desk, Artforum, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hickey glanced at her daughter’s trove, then at the store’s dense, minuscule universe.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In recent weeks, the weekly take was dropping to the $500,000 range, then $400,000 and then last week’s gross was a minuscule $380,052.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is also an actual mechanical shark that visitors can manipulate, albeit a scale replica.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • One of the new additions to the lobby is a replica of a 1925 chandelier, recreated by artisans from photos that were discovered of the original ornate light fixture.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Third-party imitation involves observing interactions between two individuals then faithfully copying those interactions.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • On the control side, the company reports combining reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and linear-actuator torque control so K2 can switch gaits dynamically across complex terrains and sustain a natural, human-like walk.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Built to last, the 2020 model features a new roof design that boasts up to 90 pounds per square foot of snow load.
    Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone 17 lineup is headlined by the addition of the iPhone 17 Air, which takes the place of the iPhone Plus model that served as the company's second tier phone.
    James Powel, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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