Synonym Chooser

How is the word tiny distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of tiny are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and small. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

When could diminutive be used to replace tiny?

While in some cases nearly identical to tiny, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When is little a more appropriate choice than tiny?

The meanings of little and tiny largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When might miniature be a better fit than tiny?

The words miniature and tiny can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When can minute be used instead of tiny?

Although the words minute and tiny have much in common, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of tiny?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

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 tiny The increasingly inaccessible real estate market is a hot topic among would-be homeowners these days, leaving shoppers looking for alternative options in the form of rentals, nomadic living, and yes, tiny homes. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 If safety is at the top of your vacation checklist, one tiny Caribbean island just earned top honors for peace, calm beaches — and a world-class food scene. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025 At a nutrition center in Camp 15 of Cox’s Bazar – run by Concern Worldwide, with programs from UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) – babies are measured for malnutrition by wrapping a paper tape measure around their tiny arms. Rebecca Wright, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 Thirteen years of love, chaos, and energy packed into one tiny Min Pin. Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • Is there even a minuscule possibility that the White Stripes will appear together for the first time in 16 years?
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile in Taiwan, already minuscule support for reunification dwindles with every passing year.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There were organza gowns adorned with miniature pastel rosettes and puff-sleeve pink frocks with abstract floral appliqués for the princess.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Willow is an 11-week-old cockapoo puppy—a mix between a cocker spaniel and miniature poodle—living in the United Kingdom with an owner who utterly adores her.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers used a series of methods involving x-rays, CT scans, and microscopic and chemical analyses to ensure that the fleshy parts were indeed just a clay molding.
    Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Add the ginger during the last minute of cooking, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Martin knocked on the hunter’s small tent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tiny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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