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 Delphinus, the Dolphin, hovers to the left of Altair, while tiny Sagitta, the Arrow, hangs above Altair, looking improbably compact. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026 In Germany, the far-right AfD, tiny just a few years ago, now polls in first place. Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 24 July 2026 Inspiration for the chip design comes from a Chinese Buddhist phrase that suggests that even a tiny mustard seed can hold Mount Sumeru (a mythological mountain) and all great truths converge into one. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 The Rio Linda tiny homes will be about 240 square feet each, including kitchenettes and bathrooms, according to a city document. Theresa Clift july 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
    Dakota Smith, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Scientists at Aalto University in Finland have built the world’s first cyclic heat engine, operating inside a superconducting circuit and using a minuscule amount of heat from a quantum refrigerator to convert it into useful work.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • With film so much larger than the standard 35mm frame even microscopic flaws show up large.
    Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
    Savannah Peters, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The suits are equipped with miniature oxygen generators that allow the cockroaches to survive for up to three hours underwater or in low-oxygen conditions.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • What if, with the aid of sensors and miniature robotics, engines could be built to self-repair?
    Beena Ammanath, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The division charged with keeping a handle on parasitic diseases had already been small, with only a few employees designated to parasite work.
    Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • When states lose the authority to set their own food safety and agricultural standards, consumers and small farmers pay the price.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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