Definition of tinynext

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 Less than a decade later, industry executives were beginning to worry about the potential risks posed by tiny plastic particles that could permeate organs in the body. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 McCarty’s six-point homelessness plan also called for securing state grants to build more substantial tiny homes as permanent supportive housing for older adults and veterans. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026 The figure’s outstretched hand holds up a tiny fairy-like woman at eye level. — Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026 Those tiny codes and dates are what tell you whether your food is actually affected. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • The Republican Party’s already minuscule 40 seats in the House appears set to shrink to 33 seats.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Back then, the number of cinemas in Estonia, which had declared its independence in 1991 amid the collapse of the USSR, was still minuscule.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The color of the ocean is a literal reflection of what’s in it — from microscopic plant-like organisms called phytoplankton to marine debris.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Every raindrop that hits the panel generates microscopic vibrations, creating unique acoustic signatures that vary with rainfall intensity.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The team built a miniature humanoid robot that stands about 19 inches tall and weighs roughly four pounds, including the smartphone attached to its body.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • For studio apartment dwellers or homes where square footage is precious, this miniature cart is slim enough to slip into discreet spaces until happy hour rolls around.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Murphy said doctors diagnosed him with a small hemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleed in the brain.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This design improves control over unwanted current leakage as transistors become smaller.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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