SMALL-TIME Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

small-time

adjective

Definition of small-time

as in petty

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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-time Magdalen, living with her mother’s relative, Captain Horatio Wragge, a small-time crook, becomes a successful actress. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Once a small-time robber, Pepper is now crumbling from advanced age and damage inflicted by many malefactors, including Pepper himself. — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 Popham, a drifter, small-time criminal, and frequent drug user, lived with the Bunyard family intermittently. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 There may not be quite as many small-time sailors in the harbor this time, owing to the rigidity that has become inevitable since the 9/11 attacks, but plenty of weekend captains will make their way here. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for small-time

Recent Examples of Synonyms for small-time

Adjective

Trump will depart sooner or later, the banners will be torn down and much of his petty talk will be and should be forgotten.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The players air their grievances, which are essentially a pile of petty conflicts and resentments that, as Alice warned, can be traced back to the team fracturing into cliques.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of petty

Adjective

The referee’s visual countdown may prove worthless if the player trotting off has his back to the official, which will invariably be the case.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of worthless

Adjective

So, yes, Mercedes is not afraid to nickel-and-dime anyone with their compact sedan.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Full-service hotels like Marriott and InterContinental still offer a more inclusive experience, and international airlines like Qatar Airways don't nickel-and-dime you for luggage.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Definition of nickel-and-dime

Adjective

And while this has now become a one-horse race, with that proposal carrying the day heading into a May 28 vote at the league’s next Board of Governors meeting, there are still more discussions — and possible changes — to come.

— Sam Amick, New York Times, 5 May 2026
McCarthy moved to his current studio in 2012, and around then, bought land out in the Tehachapi Mountains to serve as Wild West backdrops, not unlike the early film studios buying up tumbleweed stables in Topanga to serve as facsimiles of one-horse towns to shoot westerns.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026

Definition of one-horse

Browse Nearby Words

small talk

small-time

small-timer

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Style

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small-time. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of small-time

adjective

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