minute 1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nət How to pronounce minute (audio)
Definition of minutenext
as in second
a very small space of time I'll be with you in just a minute

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

minute

2 of 3

adjective

mī-ˈnüt How to pronounce minute (audio)
1
as in detailed
including many small descriptive features a minute description of the setting of the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in little
lacking importance a person who wastes her time on the most minute aspects of everyday life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in slight
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention only minute differences between the two photographic prints

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy a minute examination of the marine specimen

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tiny
very small in size made some minute adjustments to the controls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

minute

3 of 3

verb

as in to transcribe

Related Words

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

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
Kon Knueppel exited to the locker room just six minutes into his season debut Wednesday night. — Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026 Inland, Sidi Bouzid offers about 5 minutes, 33 seconds beneath typically dry skies, while the spectacular Roman amphitheater at El Jem gets 4 minutes, 23 seconds. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
According to the National Park Service, about 80 percent of visitors to Yosemite never venture beyond Yosemite Valley, which makes up a minute percentage of this 1,190-square-mile park. — Matt Bell, AFAR Media, 19 May 2026 Having seen it on TV before, with its repetitive visuals—every athlete in black spandex, performing the same tasks with minute variations—this seemed dubious. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for minute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minute
  1. second
  2. detailed
  3. little
  4. slight
  5. subtle
  6. tiny
  7. transcribe
  8. moment
Noun
  • The Flames took a 3-2 lead to the third period, but when Matt Coronato was sent off for delay of game 17 seconds in, the Ducks’ red-hot power play took advantage with Carlsson tying it at 55 seconds.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The remarkably smooth ride up to the top travels 500 feet high in 60 seconds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of second
Adjective
  • The detailed report, based on decades of records, notes that the findings discussed in that meeting did not enter mainstream debates earlier because much of it was written originally in German.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The companies have not provided a detailed deployment schedule or specified how many sites will become operational in the first phase.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Here's where the high diesel prices add up tough – what little hay there is, is a lot more expensive to harvest.
    — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of little
Adjective
  • Davis held a slight lead Wednesday, and the race between Murphy and Democratic challenger Raymond Smith was particularly close.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The slight gap between the two candidates doesn’t bode well for Bass, since Raman is expected to secure a larger portion of the late-arriving ballots in the coming days.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of slight
Adjective
  • One of Yoshitomo Nara’s largest paintings is also one of his most subtle.
    — Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
  • With its choppy layers and subtle movement, the cut felt modern, refined, and perfectly in step with her evolving personal style.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • In the evening, the low-slung space fills with locals seeking Liebster's famous tiny hasselback potatoes topped with trout roe, and buttery brioche with Parmesan cream, mortadella and clams.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • As Earth plows through the debris streams, tiny particles slam into our atmosphere at 65,000 miles per hour (104,607 kilometers per hour), producing dazzling streaks of light across the night sky.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of tiny
Verb
  • Over the decades, Ernaux has examined class shame through close observation of her parents’ lives, accounted for all-consuming romantic obsession, and transcribed fleeting encounters in supermarkets and trains in the Paris suburbs.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
  • As the characters playfully debated the rise of Fascism, the dialogue often felt transcribed from some Brooklyn polycule.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of transcribe
Noun
  • Dailyacc Bandana Scarf Bold, patterned scarves are having a major moment this season—they’re one of the easiest ways to add a pop of color, pattern, and personality to an outfit without a lot of effort or investment.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
  • During my stay, high tide aligned with early morning and sunset, allowing for serene quiet moments out on the cove with nobody else around.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of moment

Phrases Containing minute

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minuses
minute
minuted
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Cite this Entry

“Minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minute. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on minute

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minute

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