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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of minimal
With only six ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is an easy lift that offers major returns.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Her long brunette hair was worn long and loose down her back, and glam was kept minimal and elegant with a soft brown smoky eye.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2026
These Marshals are here to get the job done with minimal fuss, and so is their namesake show.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2026
There is no physical rail, no explosive charge and minimal wear, ideal for fast relaunching and long-term use.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Her long brunette hair was worn long and loose down her back, and glam was kept minimal and elegant with a soft brown smoky eye.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2026
These Marshals are here to get the job done with minimal fuss, and so is their namesake show.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2026
There is no physical rail, no explosive charge and minimal wear, ideal for fast relaunching and long-term use.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minimal
Adjective
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These mandates, which include price and profit controls and stringent minimum fuel inventory requirements, are also why so many refineries are closing shop in the Golden State.—
Wayne Winegarden,
Oc Register,
28 Feb. 2026
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Green pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum term of 20 years, officials said.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Although discrepancies are smaller in data-rich regions such as Western Europe and the eastern United States, where robust local monitoring has kept projections more closely calibrated, the study identifies the West Coast of North America as a region where sea levels have also been underestimated.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Violas have smaller flowers and stay shorter.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minimal. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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