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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
For two years, a pair of miniature dachshunds had shared a flat with their owners, exploring life mostly indoors and on leashed walks. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Vernon Layton, the movie’s DP, doesn’t recall anything about a miniature John Carpenter holding a bullhorn. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 15 May 2025
Noun
Each case also includes a 50ml miniature bottle, a pocket-sized tasting book, and an engraved stopper cork. Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Rosemary examined her face in miniature in the pools of Timothy’s eyes. Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • These tiny crystals form in magma and absorb trace amounts of uranium, which decays over time into lead.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • In the video above, the user added a tiny fairy bridge over her faux water scene.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, other species of chain fern employed a specialized strategy called dimorphism, producing two different leaf types for photosynthesis and reproduction.
    Jay Kakade May 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
  • Whether in major label studios or home recording setups, there’s always a demand for accurate reproduction of the sound captured.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • Summer Benowitz with blob: An anthropomorphic blob attempts to turn itself back into a human — one minuscule, infuriating, frivolous, anxiety-provoking task at a time (a show about being in your 20s).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a 2021 presentation for the American Musical Instrument Society, Knight introduces replicas of Gray’s devices and gives a demonstration.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2025
  • Tom Young, a member of the Lansing Historical Society, led the team of Paul Lamborn, John Craig, and Randy Elliott, who quickly built the replica over a couple of days.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • At Vauxhall Gardens in London, for example, Frederick Prince of Wales built the structures in imitation of designs from the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 24 May 2025
  • One memorable performance involved an artist who danced topless around the structural column, in imitation of an erotic dance.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Toyota's midsize sedan is a best-selling model in its segment that competes with popular rivals like the Honda Accord.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.
    Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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