as in nothing
something of little importance
the money we spend on cable is small beer compared to the mortgage payment we have to come up with every month
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small beer
South of the Border Founded in 1949 by Alan Schafer as a small beer stand just south of the North Carolina–South Carolina line (hence the name), South of the Border grew into one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the South.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
In addition to approving the city permits, the commissioners also recommended that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board grant the project’s request for a (Type 23) state alcohol license allowing a small beer manufacturing operation and a (Type 74) license for a craft distillery.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
In addition to approving the city permits, the commissioners also recommended that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board grant the project’s request for a (Type 23) state alcohol license allowing a small beer manufacturing operation and a (Type 74) license for a craft distillery.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small beer
Noun
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While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
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When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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All the more reason for those under this sign to embrace the softness and triviality of floral prints right before spring arrives.—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
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Any piece of art begins in triviality.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There is one small change – the name has been rejiggered to be the Oakland Athletic Club.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
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February 19 – March 20 A small change at home could make your whole body relax today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Small beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20beer. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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