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 The drops even out the skin tone with a light wash of color; for more coverage, use a brush with a small, pointed tip to apply foundation directly to blemishes. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2025 Snowpack has thinned, rivers like the Colorado are stretched and some communities are eyeing every possible way to enhance water supplies, no matter how small. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025 Their overall role is still small but significantly elevated when viewed as part of the non-carbon share. Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 His music is treasured by a small but intensely dedicated fanbase that includes more than a few rock legends who came up alongside and after him. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • In an environment like that of Gaza today, where most people live in tents or shelters with very little clean water, and with much of the sewage system destroyed, illness is rife and people with weakened immunity are at even greater risk, all the aid agencies said.
    Dawoud Abu Alkas, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • His criticism has continued, including in recent days In an interview that aired Wednesday on NPR, Bolton said little has changed in bringing an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, pointing to Trump’s efforts to secure a Nobel Peace Prize as the president’s motivation to end the conflict.
    Corey Williams, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One section of Long Beach Elementary School is also currently unusable, and there are minor leaks and water damage at eight other district schools.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Several minor incidents took place at polling stations in the central region of Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold.
    Lucinda Elliott, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As Virginia's next Governor, Abigail will continue to put petty political games aside, put Virginia first, and stand up to the chaos in Washington to deliver for the Commonwealth — because that's the leadership Virginians deserve.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get?
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Vance played Trump’s diminutive assistant, reminiscent of Rourke’s diminutive assistant, Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize).
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • However, the diminutive blue Smurfs took over as Smurfs’ Enchanted Voyage in 1984.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a video, Infiniti teased the low-slung vehicle, revealing a swoopy profile, slim headlights, and circular taillights reminiscent of the Skyline.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The Texas House voted 88-52 along party lines on Wednesday to pass the map that Republicans say will strengthen their slim majority in Washington ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
    KEYE Staff, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On the Forest end, there is a slight sense that some fans almost relish the idea of being disliked.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Interestingly, that slight cool-off has come as the recovery has continued.
    Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Illinois Republicans have routinely seized on Pritzker’s presidential aspirations, accusing him of putting his political ambitions ahead of the more parochial concerns of the state’s voters.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
  • South suburban committee members, meanwhile, showed parochial loyalty to Kelly.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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