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
The Bears have minimal pass rush, have trouble stopping the run — actually both teams do — and tend to give up big plays.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Mono-Blooms and Petite Bouquets Hosts are embracing mono-botanical moments, arranging clusters of a single flower type, such as chamomile, garden roses, and olive branches, placed throughout the home for a chic, minimal look that pairs naturally with modern décor.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
My bedroom is quite minimal—jute rug, dark wood dresser, cream linen curtains.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
The treatment goal is minimal yearly decline.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Mono-Blooms and Petite Bouquets Hosts are embracing mono-botanical moments, arranging clusters of a single flower type, such as chamomile, garden roses, and olive branches, placed throughout the home for a chic, minimal look that pairs naturally with modern décor.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
My bedroom is quite minimal—jute rug, dark wood dresser, cream linen curtains.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
The treatment goal is minimal yearly decline.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minimal
Adjective
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Under a 10-year concession agreement, the group agreed to pay at least $50 million to the city, including minimum annual rent payments starting at $4 million and increasing by 3% each year.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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Global tax deal Nearly 150 countries have agreed to a landmark deal to stop large global companies from shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions and impose a minimum 15% global tax.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Jan. 2026
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In fact, sometimes smaller heaters can match or outperform larger units, depending on their design.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minimal. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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