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 But Cuban and chief executive officer Alex Oshmyansky say their plant has the ability to quickly pivot between small batches of different drugs that could be useful for making experimental treatments for individuals or tiny groups of patients. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026 Over the years, its tiny beach cottages were replaced by multistory homes and apartments with sweeping views of the water. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Switching from a tiny portrait display to a bigger landscape view isn’t useful for most phone apps, which are all designed around big portrait displays. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Menus tend to be printed order forms with tiny photographs of each dish. — Lee Cobaj, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • These informative passages function similarly to footnotes, but without the disruption of having to read minuscule print at the bottom of the page.
    — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Study after study, by public officials and think tanks, has shown that voting by noncitizens and other ineligible voters happens only at minuscule, statistically insignificant levels.
    — Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Even boats without visible mussels can transport the invasive species because microscopic larvae can survive in water left inside vessels and equipment.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As the crust bakes, the water in the butter turns to steam, creating microscopic flaky layers—and a light, tender crust.
    — Melissa Weller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For many of the adults buying them, miniature chairs are design objects as well as children’s furniture.
    — Steven Weill, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The savory selection was pleasant enough, but the pastries and miniature cakes were genuinely excellent.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Manfred says small-market success is rare, while the union argues the Rays-Brewers World Series matchup shows baseball can work without a cap.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Massachusetts ranks third for the annual cost of raising a small child but 18th over 18 years.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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