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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
Allow around 20 minutes to let your eyes adjust to the darkness; that means avoiding bright lights such as your phone screen. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 May 2026 Lionel Messi scored in 33rd minute yet Inter Miami fell 4-3 at home Saturday to rival Orlando City on an extra-time goal. Greg Cote may 3, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026
Adjective
In cold-atom environments, where disturbances are minimized, even minute frequency shifts could become detectable. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for minute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minute
Noun
  • Within seconds of the Yankees recording the final out of Monday’s 12-1 win over the Orioles, John Sterling’s signature victory call bellowed from Yankee Stadium’s speakers.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
  • With an inventory of over 3 million hotels in over 200 countries, Travelocity can help narrow down the best possible accommodations for you within seconds.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the summary lacks any kind of detailed explanation of which tests were run and under what conditions.
    Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
  • The California Department of Insurance (CDI) collects detailed data on how insurers handle claims through Market Conduct Annual Statements, but insurance companies have lobbied to stop company-specific data from being released.
    Patrick Wolff, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rust spores overwinter in leaf debris and infect new foliage in spring with as little as two to four hours of moisture.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • But certain elements of the package, such as a proposal to expand mayoral authority, received little direct attention during Thursday’s public comment.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • If a more involved DIY installation sounds prohibitive, Starlink does contract with installers nationwide for a nominal fee.
    Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
  • And, in the end, none of the aforementioned might be available except for Ja Morant, who might be only a nominal upgrade, if that.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Throughout her trip to the United States, the Queen has reliably chosen British designers in a subtle showing of sartorial support of her homeland.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Such subtle tweaks in rhythm and resolution are more subtle, and more rewarding, than a straightforward joke-and-punchline setup.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What last Friday’s 5-0 win away to Sunderland might have done for Pereira is give him just a tiny bit more freedom; the opportunity to go slightly stronger with his team selections in these two games against Villa, either side of a still-vital trip to Chelsea on Monday.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The technique used to measure the singularities’ velocity could open the door to studying other tiny, fast phenomena in physics, chemistry and biology—or perhaps to find new ways to encode quantum information in materials, according to the researchers.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To prepare for the release of the 1926 census, archivists spent nearly three years conserving, digitizing and transcribing the decades-old data, McBride said.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Conversate makes the glasses listen to and transcribe your conversations, using Even's AI to summarize and even suggest topics related to the subject at hand.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rihanna, draped in gunmetal Margiela couture, created yet another Met moment, a year after debuting her baby bump on the carpet (her second time doing so, with her third child Rocki).
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 5 May 2026
  • The prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minute. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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