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

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
This pendulum is the story of the artist Kleio Gizeli, a pendulum that reaches from the secret space of an apartment to the visible world of a school classroom, from a penthouse in Kypseli, Athens to the life of its streets, from miniature works to the social work of education. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 Rosemary enhances the Brussel sprout's flavor when planted nearby, and deters certain insects from feasting on the miniature bulbs. Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Place these miniatures under the broiler with some cheese to sack any doubts that this is an ordinary sandwich. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 There’s time again, the child an innocent miniature of the women solving more existential problems in the office. New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • The tiny tip gives you flexibility to fill and shape your brows for a bold look or something more minimal with just a little enhancement and color.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2026
  • These particles are covered with tiny chain-like structures that interact with metal ions in solution.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Given how much biomedical research has been conducted in space, the scarcity of research on reproduction surprised me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • That combination — a limited geographic range, low reproduction rates and early life stages in shallow waters — raises real concerns about the fish’s future.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With no functional magnetosphere, Mars’ surface radiation is nearly as intense as in deep space, and the paper-thin atmosphere provides little protection from even minuscule meteorites.
    Big Think, Big Think, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Okawara sculpted Beyoncé's nails into a long almond shape with a neutral base color, then detailed each nail with its own minuscule design.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The object was a full-sized replica of the space capsule that will house a miniature IVF lab.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • These are the narrative details of great costuming; not one-to-one replicas, but looks that capture the spirit, priorities and instincts of the person onscreen.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the warm, shallow waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and the Indian River Lagoon, microscopic dinoflagellates (a kind of plankton) let off a bioluminescent glow in the water when moved, such as with a paddle stroke.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Among the best places to visit in Puerto Rico are its rare bioluminescent bays, where the water appears to glow at night thanks to microscopic organisms that are stimulated by movement.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Among writers, there is always a risk of mutual imitation, conscious or not.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The two men are also seen preparing food in a kitchen, holding an American flag in front of an imitation Statue of Liberty and sitting in a convertible.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Microsoft’s $50 billion investment will, among other things, help to build the data centers crucial to providing the computing power needed to run AI models.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Local designers will present an expert presentation on the slow fashion movement that addresses the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in the fashion and retail industries.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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