Thesaurus

small

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of small

1 of a size that is less than average

a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

Synonyms for small

Words Related to small

dwarf,
toy

Near Antonyms for small

fat,
thick

broad,
wide

Antonyms for small

2 small in degree

your chances of winning the lottery are so small that it's best not to count on it

Synonyms for small

Words Related to small

little,
tiny

Near Antonyms for small

great,
large

Antonyms for small

good

3 lacking importance

reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention

Synonyms for small

Words Related to small

Phrases Synonymous with small

neither here nor there

Near Antonyms for small

Antonyms for small

4 not broad or open in views or opinions

townspeople who were helpful to one another but who also could be small and intolerant

Synonyms for small

Words Related to small

limited

Near Antonyms for small

freethinking

Antonyms for small

Frequently Asked Questions About small

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