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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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 While the expectations for a half point cut are small, there is clearly some hope the Fed will be more aggressive than most anticipate. Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The doctors have to remove a small piece of his skull to release the pressure in his brain. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 If anything, its attention to the sad textures of teenage life seems to acknowledge that for many young people today, paying attention to their own life might feel futile or too small, given the relentlessness of the news. Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025 Of the 122,000 American businesses that make up this industry, 92% are small businesses that employ fewer than 10 people. Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • The Olympic silver medalist ran textbook races all season with little to no critiques on form and competitive nature.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Most available positions are informal, poorly compensated and offer little stability or room for career growth.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Though his request to play in Napa was denied, his off-course involvement is already proving to be a unifying force.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • However, he was involved in an off-field accident that forced the Royals to shift their pitching plans.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The two had a minor pull-apart but Adam Pearce screamed it down.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component, less than 2%, of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the next 1,358 days, there would be just a handful of credible sightings of Phillips, mostly connected with petty crimes in nearby small towns.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Primordial black holes, meanwhile, are theorized to be much more diminutive than even stellar mass black holes, with masses predicted to be anywhere from that of giant planets down to average-sized asteroids.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Rather, when Labor Day Weekend ended, the man leading the league in that category was Corbin Carroll, the diminutive (by baseball standards) right fielder playing for the underwhelming Arizona Diamondbacks.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lancers turned a slim halftime lead into a convincing 35-14 win over Serra on Friday in a nonleague football game at Orange Coast College, Orange Lutheran’s home field.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Bluetti also unveiled some other new products at IFA, including its FridgePower Portable Power Station, a 2,016 Wh, 1,800 W, slim design for appliances.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Boise State basketball’s conference schedule was announced on Tuesday morning, and there’s a slight difference to this year’s Mountain West slate.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
  • While strong finances and health helped bolster the country's overall 70% score, that was offset by factors including income inequality, a slight increase in unemployment and a decline in happiness.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, fashion is very parochial and very predictable.
    James Fallon, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This week, in parochial and Christian schools across Chicago and the suburbs, schoolchildren filed into pews with their classmates to observe church services ahead of the school day.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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