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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

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
About 15 minutes after the plane took off, an iPhone crash alert was received by Prince George's County Public Safety Communications, indicating a crash had occurred near where routes 50 and 301 connect in the Bowie area. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 21 June 2026 Death can come in minutes if the person does not receive immediate help. Martha Lopez-Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Adjective
Its chain was also a new development, a succession of minute oval cartouche articulated together into a graphic and supple outline. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 May 2026 And Corona del Mar’s Sofia Szymanowski joined the sub-minute club in the girls breaststroke. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for minute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minute
Noun
  • After Iran played to a draw Sunday at SoFi Stadium, its second of the World Cup in as many matches, the team’s coach began his postmatch assessment by backing up six months.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 June 2026
  • Digital computers force all information processing into discrete, high-precision, clocked steps, with billions or trillions of bits flipped every second.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Being able to provide a more detailed origin on the label gives the producer a story to tell and lends the wine greater exclusivity.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • See below for a more detailed methodology.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • There, officers found the little girl with severe, life-threatening injuries.
    Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • Contrary to popular belief, the central bank has little influence over home loan rates.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Tyumen refinery, one of the country's most modern and complex, has a nominal capacity of around 8 million metric tons per year.
    Ron Popeski, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Self-park options are available for overnight guests for a nominal fee, and the hotel is dog-friendly (no additional fee).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Star power takes a neutral cat-eye base and turns it into a subtle statement moment.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 June 2026
  • Where their Florida style is bold and flamboyant, the ranch is subtle and defined by a rich, earthy palette.
    Elizabeth Kiefer, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The tiny female hippo is already drawing comparisons to the beloved Moo Deng, the Thai baby pygmy hippo who became a global sensation in 2024.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
  • Hopefully, this will help determine whether they’re sparked by an eruption from a single neutron star, or when two of these tiny but massive bodies collide.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Others are from books that contain first-person psychedelic accounts, which DiNardo said the company transcribed.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • Court reporters are required to transcribe at a minimum of 95% accuracy, but that measure does not evaluate their ability to transcribe nonstandard English.
    Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Earlier in the series, Wembanyama drew criticism for a dangerously hard foul on Brunson and was later caught on camera laughing in Mitchell Robinson's direction during a heated moment.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • This episode is hilarious, but it’s been so ruthlessly hacked down to giggle moments and ironic smash-cuts that important action and context are missing.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minute. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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