1
as in little
of a size that is less than average
a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slim
small in degree
your chances of winning the lottery are so small that it's best not to count on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in minor
lacking importance
reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in petty
not broad or open in views or opinions
townspeople who were helpful to one another but who also could be small and intolerant
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small
The operation started as a small, open-air fruit stand more than 80 years ago.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
By the following year, thirty-seven per cent of school districts reported not having a librarian at all; previous research has shown that the proportion is even higher in the smallest districts, which tend to be rural.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
The team also found that the pion appears smaller than the proton at moderate momentum values.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Watch session recordings, track drop-off points and run small tests before shipping major redesigns.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for small
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
By the following year, thirty-seven per cent of school districts reported not having a librarian at all; previous research has shown that the proportion is even higher in the smallest districts, which tend to be rural.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
The team also found that the pion appears smaller than the proton at moderate momentum values.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Watch session recordings, track drop-off points and run small tests before shipping major redesigns.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
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This is a global manufacturing hub — has been since the 17th-century, when local farmers needed a side-hustle during harsh winters, and started tinkering with big hands and little hands.—
Jon Wertheim,
CBS News,
8 Dec. 2025
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According to the researchers, the discovery highlights how little is known about deep-ocean ecosystems and underscores the need for rigorous environmental assessments before large-scale mining is allowed to proceed.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Manager Mark Kotsay said a more thorough evaluation will be made during the club's off day Thursday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Up next Following an off day on Thursday, the Giants will welcome the Chicago Cubs for three games at Oracle Park.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Earlier in the year, Edwards dealt with a minor setback, which forced him to miss a handful of games early on.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
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For those who had been convicted in the past, the data doesn't distinguish between minor offenses and violent crimes.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Wembanyama mired his fundamental greatness by either trying too hard to dominate or exerting his physicality in a petty way.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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Others mention struggling main street shops, potholes and petty crime.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The best part of that bit is a diminutive JD Vance as Tattoo.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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However, the diminutive blue Smurfs took over as Smurfs’ Enchanted Voyage in 1984.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While the Knicks beat the Spurs 105-95 during Game 1, Game 2 was a close call, with the Knicks winning by a slim one-point margin.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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For example, by Sunday night, the measure had caught up and was practically in a tie, with the no votes ahead by a slim 11,500 votes.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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The day before the fires ignited, the National Weather Service warned of extreme Valley heat, dry fuels, and a slight chance of thunderstorms.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
9 Dec. 2025
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The fight to fill Miami’s mayor office comes to a head on Tuesday evening during a special runoff election as Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio González are locked in a tight race, with the Democrat holding a slight lead in early voting.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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One of the brightest prospects in Newcastle United’s youth setup had been the best player, but was on the end of a frustrating, narrow 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
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Durango's Polar Express Train Ride is led by a vintage steam locomotive that travels on a heritage narrow-gauge railroad through the snowy mountains of Colorado.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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