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 From these tiny particles, scientists can determine how the objects may have smelled. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026 There were 193 films that went into production in the UK in 2025, a tiny increase of two from the prior year. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026 Although the 174,000 difference between the two numbers is relatively tiny, from a sociopolitical standpoint one shows growth while the other shows shrinkage. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026 Under that, the actor wore the teeniest-tiniest black miniskirt and bright red thigh-highs with pink ribbons tied around them in bows, like garters. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • The three quarks that form protons only contribute a minuscule amount of mass—the other 99 percent is thought to arise from interactions between these real quarks and swarms of virtual quarks in the vacuum.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
  • An agonizingly minuscule miss that can change the entire complexion of a game.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Scientists have built a new a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anode that incorporates iron oxide, the main component of rust, into microscopic, porous hollow carbon structures, and can improve battery performance.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The difference between great and the best in figure skating exists in the margins, often small enough to be microscopic.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Several types of animals are raised at the farm including sheep, cattle, turkeys, hogs, and miniature donkeys.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • For a fun twist, try miniature daffodils.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This seems odd but ripening fruit releases small amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of the arrangement.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But the geographical distance is small compared to the geopolitical canyon the Games hope to bridge.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tiny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!