Definition of smallnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word small distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of small are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

In what contexts can diminutive take the place of small?

In some situations, the words diminutive and small are roughly equivalent. However, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of small?

The meanings of little and small largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When could miniature be used to replace small?

The words miniature and small can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When is it sensible to use minute instead of small?

The words minute and small are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of small?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

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 small Even small contributions can mean food, medicine, and shelter for children who have none of them. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026 First, their ancestors had to survive the dinosaurs’ doomsday, which was no small feat. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 1 May 2026 The game’s current boom in popularity has been driven, in no small part, by social media and popular culture, said The Economist. Deeya Sonalkar, TheWeek, 1 May 2026 These small, oily fish are nutritional powerhouses loaded with omega-3s, vitamin D, and other nutrients. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
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
  • The hotel’s slim set of measured, crisp rooms draws a low-key crowd, ranging from honeymooners to city weekenders from Kuala Lumpur, all lounging with the same welcome, unpretentious ease of the hotel itself.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • The list of pitchers to come off a second major elbow surgery and be themselves is slim.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The buckling may start in the middle, and minor variations in a given can’s shape and size might affect when the first ring emerges.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
  • Obtain one that contains major and minor nutrients.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Middle school is, famously, a time of petty cruelty and small-scale social Darwinism.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Detractors consider this format both mind-numbing and salacious, engineered for immediate gratification and often focused on cast members’ petty personal grievances and rock-bottom moments.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The diminutive vehicle isn’t a weakling, either.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Yet the dark and moody diminutive space, designed with every detail carefully considered, feels airy and light, in no small part thanks to the thoughtful staff who bring life and a sense of place.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Saturday will be mostly dry but there is a slight chance for showers.
    Rachael Jay, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • In 2022, his rookie season ended early because of a slight stress fracture in his right ankle.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The shoes are held in place by a narrow strap that wrapped the back of the heel, while a slim stiletto and steep pitch kept the profile sharp.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
  • Instead, opt for small-scale seating with clean, narrow lines.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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