SMALLER Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

smaller

adjective

as in less

having not so great importance or rank as another a smaller task but one that needs to be done nevertheless

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for smaller

Adjective

Parents can contribute up to the lesser of the regular maximum contribution limit of $7,500 in 2026 or their child's total annual earnings.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
While the government touted Rubin’s overtime savings, Local 64 leaders said the cuts meant less staff and resulted in unsafe operations.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of less

Adjective

Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.

— Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.

— Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023

Definition of lesser

Adjective

Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.

— Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

Definition of lower

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smallclothes

smaller

smallest

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“Smaller.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smaller. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of smaller

adjective

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