as in small
lacking importance
some small-fry official in the state government with a big-time ego
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small-fry
Ridley Scott directs Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura in the first episode of a tale in which two small-fry thieves rob a drug den and become the target of a relentless kingpin.
—
Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Cassatt achieved hers by changing mediums; by experimenting with colors; and by being perversely drawn to small-fry subject matter, then mining it from all angles.
—Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 27 June 2024
For small-fry investors and big money managers alike, the psychological toll of falling behind creates pressure, particularly for those sticking with the playbook.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 10 June 2024
Brad Heppner had the grand idea of bringing investment opportunities enjoyed by Wall Street institutions to small-fry investors.
—Alexander Gladstone, WSJ, 28 July 2023
Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Cassatt achieved hers by changing mediums; by experimenting with colors; and by being perversely drawn to small-fry subject matter, then mining it from all angles.
—Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 27 June 2024
For small-fry investors and big money managers alike, the psychological toll of falling behind creates pressure, particularly for those sticking with the playbook.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 10 June 2024
Brad Heppner had the grand idea of bringing investment opportunities enjoyed by Wall Street institutions to small-fry investors.
—Alexander Gladstone, WSJ, 28 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small-fry
Adjective
-
Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Jan. 2026
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In fact, sometimes smaller heaters can match or outperform larger units, depending on their design.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This includes refusing to follow crew instructions about seating assignments, escalating complaints with nearby passengers—such as disputes over arm rests, seat kicking, or reclining—or otherwise turning a minor annoyance into a confrontation.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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Six other people sustained minor injuries in the collision.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In contrast to the surge in opioid fatality numbers of the past decade, deaths attributable to cocaine have shown little increase.—
Charles LeBaron,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Houston’s defensive prowess was on display on each snap as Rodgers was left with little to no time to make a decision.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Small-fry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small-fry. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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