smallest

adjective

as in slightest
being the least in amount, number, or size possible severely reprimanded employees even for the smallest mistakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smallest While that’s painful for house hunters, note that the surge was the 18th-smallest among states and trailed the 93% jump nationally. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smallest
  1. minimum
  2. small
Adjective
  • Wiener has passed laws protecting net neutrality, capping prescription costs and mandating mental health parity, ending mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, and requiring corporations disclose their greenhouse gas emissions.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Capital financial services giant project includes a $60 million investment by 2031, and pledges to hire hundreds of workers with minimum average pay of $194,000.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimum
Adjective
  • Only about a dozen countries have active programs, including small Caribbean island states.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The treasurer’s office says the administrative cost of processing very small payments can exceed their value.
    — Mark Lewyn, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of small

Browse Nearby Words

smaller
smallest
small-fry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smallest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smallest. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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