as in slightest
being the least in amount, number, or size possible
the beached whales were returned to the sea with only minimal loss of life
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Recent Examples of minimal
Finally, this home’s location on a cul-de-sac ensures minimal traffic.
—
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
The end result doesn’t change — that structure is still built, most often with minimal changes — but only after months and sometimes years of delay and spurious litigation, not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional costs per project.
—Carlo Scissura, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
According to skipper Charles Caudrelier, these systems could allow Gitana 18 to hover above waves approaching 10 feet with minimal hull contact, while sustaining average speeds of 40 knots.
—Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
All of this is commercial banking, all done with minimal government involvement.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
The end result doesn’t change — that structure is still built, most often with minimal changes — but only after months and sometimes years of delay and spurious litigation, not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional costs per project.
—Carlo Scissura, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
According to skipper Charles Caudrelier, these systems could allow Gitana 18 to hover above waves approaching 10 feet with minimal hull contact, while sustaining average speeds of 40 knots.
—Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
All of this is commercial banking, all done with minimal government involvement.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minimal
Adjective
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This is one of the advantages of having second-round picks, is being able to seize long-term control with minimum risk at the outset.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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All four competitors got two dunks in the first round, and the two players with the highest composite score for their two dunks (maximum score of 100 and a minimum score of 80) advanced to the head-to-head final round.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But the proposal would only actually impact a small few — billionaires.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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The first call for help was a silent text message from an emergency beacon, mobilizing a small army of rescuers dispatched from different directions.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minimal. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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