SMALL-MINDEDNESS Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

small-mindedness

noun

as in bigotry

stubborn or intolerant adherence to one's opinions or prejudices the small-mindedness of her parents would never allow them to accept a son-in-law of a different religion

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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-mindedness The show gestures at the classic targets of old-timey sexism, small-mindedness, and nativism—much of it embodied by Gasteyer’s scheming character—but only in the safest possible ways. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for small-mindedness

Noun

In many places, French’s unapologetic, unvarnished bigotry would be disqualifying.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Even amid extraordinary acts of solidarity, Muslim, Arab, and South Asian Americans were subjected to hatred and bigotry, some of which persists today.

— Steven Fulop, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of bigotry

Noun

Because of this, Halperin says many people with mild lactose intolerance tolerate kefir better than ordinary milk, though kefir is not lactose-free unless labeled accordingly.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Symptoms include baby fever, exacerbated by the pregnancy announcement of her sister Macy (Zosia Mamet), and an intolerance to her pompous, long-term but non-committal boyfriend Spencer (Finn Wittrock).

— Katie Walsh, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of intolerance

Noun

Harper and Wilf are wary of Frith’s visits with Philip, and other characters with their own issues or prejudices have their say as well.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Controversially, Documenta’s explication of antisemitism relies on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which considers criticism of Israel a form of prejudice.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

When authenticity becomes uncompromising, candor turns belligerent, consistency becomes rigid, or principled decision-making morphs into dogmatism, even the best intentions can backfire.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
By staying so close to black metal’s core sound, Marchenko does more to undermine the dogmatism—both racial and aesthetic—of Vikernes and his ilk than a more obviously experimental project might.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of dogmatism

Noun

That narrow-mindedness is immediately apparent when Nick asks his congregation to help the group of unhoused people, a little over a dozen souls or so, who live in a makeshift camp on the edge of town.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Mann loves a man with an obsession, but this sentiment is about expanding that narrow-mindedness to make space in our lives for others.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026

Definition of narrow-mindedness

Noun

Vucic was critical that multiple other purported crimes against ethnic Serb civilians have not been taken into account, claiming anti-Serb bias.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
This month, Bryan Kohberger also requested a new judge to oversee the process, saying comments made by Judge Steven Hippler during his sentencing showed bias.

— Mark Guarino, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

This suggests that declining faith goes beyond partisanship and reflects a more fundamental question about this group’s sense of belonging.

— Diana Orcés, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
The partisanship changes will still wait until two years from now, but in November, voters throughout the county will be able to select candidates.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of partisanship

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“Small-mindedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small-mindedness. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of small-mindedness

noun

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