as in small
of a size that is less than average
a smallish row of bushes lining the yard
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Recent Examples of smallish
Most open up to a smallish balcony, just big enough for a book and coffee.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
The size of the audience in the smallish auditorium surprised me on a Friday morning.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
The slightly shiny, spring-ready sage green feels fresh, and the in-between size is just right for carrying all your smallish essentials.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
Surfers have been out in great numbers at this popular surf spot, thanks to smallish surf, somewhat warm water — by winter standards — and sunny skies after days of rain, meaning more beachgoers came across the stingrays and their pointy barbs.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026
Evans forced the extra four minutes in its game when smallish senior guard Johnny Wright dribbled across the lane and banked in a clutch shot to tie the score 40-40.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Hagens slipped down the board, but the B’s jumped at the chance to nab the smallish, but highly-skilled centerman.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
And garnering this smallish corner of the market is intrinsic to the brand’s identity.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Their father, George Atkinson, spent his entire career playing an aggressive, menacing style of football that belied his smallish 6-foot, 180-pound frame.
—Jon Becker, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
The size of the audience in the smallish auditorium surprised me on a Friday morning.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
The slightly shiny, spring-ready sage green feels fresh, and the in-between size is just right for carrying all your smallish essentials.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
Surfers have been out in great numbers at this popular surf spot, thanks to smallish surf, somewhat warm water — by winter standards — and sunny skies after days of rain, meaning more beachgoers came across the stingrays and their pointy barbs.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026
Evans forced the extra four minutes in its game when smallish senior guard Johnny Wright dribbled across the lane and banked in a clutch shot to tie the score 40-40.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Hagens slipped down the board, but the B’s jumped at the chance to nab the smallish, but highly-skilled centerman.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
And garnering this smallish corner of the market is intrinsic to the brand’s identity.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Their father, George Atkinson, spent his entire career playing an aggressive, menacing style of football that belied his smallish 6-foot, 180-pound frame.
—Jon Becker, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smallish
Adjective
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But the proposal would only actually impact a small few — billionaires.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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The first call for help was a silent text message from an emergency beacon, mobilizing a small army of rescuers dispatched from different directions.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Poison dart frog species have long fascinated researchers and the public, partly because of their diminutive size and striking color patterns and also because of the stories surrounding the deadly toxins found on their bodies.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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To see a Cisitalia 202 in the metal is to appreciate how diminutive and jewellike the car really is.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The little sluiceways through the shoals were only a few inches deep, so the coontail moss was also that much closer to the surface.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
That polarization leaves little margin for prosecutorial missteps.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The tiny tip gives you flexibility to fill and shape your brows for a bold look or something more minimal with just a little enhancement and color.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
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These particles are covered with tiny chain-like structures that interact with metal ions in solution.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smallish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smallish. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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