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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
For Rayo’s Conference League play-off second leg against Belarusian side Neman Grodno in August, neither the desks for the media (a triviality) nor the toilets for disabled supporters (a disgrace) had been finished in time.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
This seemingly small change highlights a fundamental shift.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
There is one small change, however.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Small beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20beer. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
