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 Yarrow Don’t let the delicate appearance of the tiny flower clusters that characterize yarrow fool you—this is one hardy perennial. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 The infotainment display in the CLA is so large that the right side of the steering wheel completely blocks all of its tiny UI elements along the left edge. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026 Smaller varieties like cherry and grape tomato plants often produce hundreds of tiny fruits in a season, whereas slicers and beefsteak tomatoes might produce only 10 to 20 large fruits. Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 June 2026 The tiny irritants Americans call chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae mites. Eva Flowe june 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • Eastern Forest Tick Examined under a microscope, this minuscule parasite bears an uncanny resemblance to your childhood bully, right down to its mullet and Van Halen T-shirt.
    Jay Ruttenberg, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • Hikers dip into shady trails lined with thick brush, a favorite path being the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which offers a rare peek into the ecosystems—both minuscule and massive—within the swampy marshland.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • This generates a phenomenon called acoustic cavitation, in which microscopic bubbles quickly form and pop in the liquid.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
  • Nematodes are microscopic, thread-like roundworms that naturally inhabit the soil and serve as an effective organic pest control.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Generation 3 for anyone who wants full-size prints rather than the Go's miniature ones.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
  • The pattern of the bags themselves is also completely new to Trader Joe's—all of the miniature canvas totes released in the past have featured solid colors.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The national initiative is awarding more than $10 million to help small businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen their local communities, a spokesperson from the grant program said.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
  • Supporting small businesses also played a major role in her strategy.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tiny

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster