minute 1 of 3

Definition of minutenext

minute

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adjective

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minute

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective minute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of minute are circumstantial, detailed, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

In what contexts can circumstantial take the place of minute?

The synonyms circumstantial and minute are sometimes interchangeable, but circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When might detailed be a better fit than minute?

Although the words detailed and minute have much in common, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is particular a more appropriate choice than minute?

The words particular and minute can be used in similar contexts, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

How does the adjective minute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of minute are circumstantial, detailed, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

In what contexts can circumstantial take the place of minute?

The synonyms circumstantial and minute are sometimes interchangeable, but circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When might detailed be a better fit than minute?

Although the words detailed and minute have much in common, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is particular a more appropriate choice than minute?

The words particular and minute can be used in similar contexts, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

How does the adjective minute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of minute are circumstantial, detailed, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

In what contexts can circumstantial take the place of minute?

The synonyms circumstantial and minute are sometimes interchangeable, but circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When might detailed be a better fit than minute?

Although the words detailed and minute have much in common, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is particular a more appropriate choice than minute?

The words particular and minute can be used in similar contexts, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

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 minute
Noun
Plus, overnight oats take minutes to make the night before and are ready to eat in the morning. Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026 Nashville doubled its lead at the 62-minute mark with Patrick Yazbek notching his second goal of the season. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The research, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session later this month, relied on minute-level heart rate data from nearly 15,000 adults. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Such minute attention to class is rare in recent American novels not set among the literati or ultra-wealthy, and still rarer in books that aren’t comedies. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minute
Noun
  • The Concentrate, which has earned more than 30,000 positive reviews, makes hot or cold coffee in seconds.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Luostarinen opened the scoring just 23 seconds in, spinning into Samoskevich’s rebound and beating Woll from a tight angle.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Police were unable to provide a detailed description of the suspects, but described them as two African American men between 20 and 30 years of age.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The astronauts obliged, returning detailed observations of Orientale.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Previous attempts to secure ceasefires have had little or no impact, with the two sides blaming each other for violations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Start by trimming the tough, dry ends off the bunch and chop them into little logs.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Based on the two Argentines’ limited head-to-head history on the Challengers circuit — all three meetings had been won by Burrachaga in three sets — the son of one of his country’s most famous soccer players was the nominal favorite.
    Dale Robertson, Houston Chronicle, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit alleges Freeman Funeral Home accepted the baby’s remains for a nominal $500 fee but never followed through on its promise to provide him with a proper Christian burial.
    Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One search can yield a long list of options, each with its own rules, conditions, and subtle differences that are easy to miss at first glance.
    Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • However, a slight blurring of stars at the edge of the frame seems to betray the subtle motion of the spacecraft — or camera — over the course of the 10-second exposure.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With little more than a few beach chairs and a tiny oceanfront bar, these cozy accommodations feel perfectly remote and removed, just what the doctor ordered for your stay on Anegada.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The flashes occurred as tiny fragments of cosmic material, or micrometeoroids, impacted the lunar surface.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Once captured, recordings are automatically transcribed, along with speakers labeled, summaries created, and action items generated in the cloud.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2026
  • During the trial, a group called the DFW Support Committee recruited volunteer note-takers to transcribe the proceedings.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Oweh’s 32-footer became the first weekend’s most disarming moment.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Mission specialist Christina Koch said her biggest highlight was catching her first glimpses of Earth after passing around the moon, a moment that came after a communications blackout.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minute. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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