small

adjective

ˈsmȯl How to pronounce small (audio)
Definition of smallnext
1
as in little
of a size that is less than average a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

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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

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3
as in minor
lacking importance reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention

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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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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 Clinch County has won six football state championships this century, all in Class A, the Georgia High School Association’s classification for the smallest schools. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 6 July 2026 Dondi assembled a small but mighty team and established swim lanes. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Although Chicago had its issues with redlining and massive disinvestment that left generational scars on some primarily Black neighborhoods, the small town ethos held little sway over me. — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 One of a small handful of sophomore-eligible draft prospects, Bell has the athletic tools to play shortstop and the versatility to take the field anywhere in the infield if needed in a utility role. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
  1. little
  2. slim
  3. minor
  4. petty
  5. diminutive
  6. slight
  7. narrow
  8. tiny
Adjective
  • The latest appearance will do little to quell criticism of Infantino, who is standing currently unopposed for re-election as FIFA president.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • At a press conference with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, government officials said that the fire had started unusually close to the community in Collins, leaving little time to respond.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of little
Adjective
  • One study found that while two-thirds of the general population claim to be night owls, their chances of success are much slimmer than those of morning people.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Holding the slim lead, Thomas Tuchel decided to go with a more defensive posture.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • The projectile caused minor structural damage, but there were no injuries among the crew and the ship has continued its journey, the report said.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The project cost is estimated at $85,000, according to a permit for minor tenant improvements submitted to the city.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • The Greek myths are rife with petty and meddlesome deities squabbling, playing favorites, punishing harshly, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the lives of mortal men.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of petty
Adjective
  • For the second World Cup in a row, the final is settled deep into extra time with the only goal from a diminutive midfielder.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Despite its name, the island’s diminutive national instrument has 10 strings in five courses, and possesses a bright, sunny tone that cuts to the front of an ensemble.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of diminutive
Adjective
  • Ndoye didn't shoot on his first touch of the ball, though, and that slight hesitation to control the ball and gather for a shot left just enough time for Argentina to swoop in to block the shot.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
  • England will be slight favorites given the amount of world-class quality supporting its star man.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of slight
Adjective
  • The broad straps offset the lower neckline, which scoops at its narrowest point for a softer look, rather than forming a harsh line.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
  • Plans with lower monthly costs often have narrower networks of doctors and hospitals, and less generous drug coverage.
    — Renuka Rayasam, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • This allows the hybrid system to operate continuously for days or even weeks with a tiny power system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • That gives the three imminent data centers in Miami-Dade a tinier footprint than the headline makers elsewhere in the state, said Margaret Cook, vice president of water and community resilience at the Houston Advanced Research Center.
    — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of tiny

Phrases Containing small

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smacks (of)
small
small arm
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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of small for Spanish Speakers

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