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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
Adjective
For Jenna, that might mean making a call to an insurance company one minute and explaining a pathology report the next. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025 Because on the other end, legal will say, ‘Well, wait a minute. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
This is a story about two young people who find each other, fall madly in love, and are then torn apart by unimaginable disaster — one rendered by the obsessive director in minute, breathless, excruciating detail. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 Convenience can be seductive, but in oncology, where the margin for error is minute, the cost of error, or incomplete or inaccurate information, is disastrous. Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for minute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minute
Noun
  • Then, turn on the cold water and the disposal for about 15 seconds.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
  • In general, acting quickly is key since the pain can be sharp and overwhelming within the first few seconds.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The collection includes 3,100 black-and-white images taken in nearly 300 villages, towns, and cities around the country as well as the negatives and detailed data sheets describing construction techniques, materials, and historical context for each building.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leafs coach Craig Berube did not provide a detailed update on Nylander’s possible injury.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Inside, two picnic tables were stacked on top of each other, leaving little room to climb.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • During last week's episode, viewers saw Dylan dance with his little sister, Olivia, for Dedication Night on.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The focus was to provide more attacking numbers in advanced areas to maintain territorial dominance, with a midfield pair — or ‘double pivot’ — providing the defensive foundation behind a nominal front four.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Alongside contemporaries including Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Maxwell, the neo-soul class focused on recapturing the live, thick instrumentation, rich songwriting and weighted, passionate delivery of its nominal genre predecessor.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Earth, a tiny target in the vastness of space, would often be spared from being hit by these magnetic projectiles.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Sometimes changing the world starts with a tiny needle.
    Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then comes Idea Mode, where voice notes become rich raw material, transcribed and reviewed later, unlocking your reflective mind.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
    Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hank remained single throughout the series but has had brief moments of chemistry with other characters, including with Nina Chapman (Sara Bues) in season 11.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, in a complete flip the script moment, that quote was uttered by the blindsider in question, Sage, who refused to hug the disposed of Shannon.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minute. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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