Definition of smallnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word small distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of small are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

In what contexts can diminutive take the place of small?

In some situations, the words diminutive and small are roughly equivalent. However, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of small?

The meanings of little and small largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When could miniature be used to replace small?

The words miniature and small 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 is it sensible to use minute instead of small?

The words minute and small are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of small?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

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 small That strategy also reflects the relative smaller pockets of Chinese AI firms and constraints in accessing cutting-edge chips under Washington’s export controls. John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Scientists have studied giant octopus relatives that roamed when dinosaurs were around, and researched some small octopuses that drilled into clams. CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 And, notably, the growth in men’s volleyball programs is concentrated at smaller colleges and universities. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 24 Apr. 2026 The Bank is running scenario analysis and simulations, looking at herding in financial markets, concentrated dependence on a small number of AI service providers, and the possibility that autonomous systems could start affecting financial decisions at scale. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • Generally, the Hilton hotel, where the dinner has taken place for years, remains open to regular guests during the correspondents’ dinner, and security has typically been focused on the ballroom and rather than the hotel at large, with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Security has typically been focused on the ballroom — rather than the hotel at large — with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself.
    Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That hasn’t happened, and considering the security issues that have kept Harry from visiting the UK, the chances of Charles seeing Archie and Lilibet anytime soon are now slim to none.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The slim silhouette includes four pockets for organization, plus a hidden anti-theft pocket that sits against your body to stash valuables like cash or a passport.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Snitker managed numerous minor-league clubs over the years, including Richmond, Mississippi, Durham and Macon.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Any minor spills or leaks within this storage area are expected to be contained within the basement level.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On the surface, the 50-year-old multimillionaire head coach of LSU getting petty online on a random Saturday in late April is an odd move.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The souring of their relationship has at times bordered on the petty and personal.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s depth there and the current roster basically consists of Drake London, diminutive old friend Olamide Zaccheaus and inconsistent field stretcher Jahan Dotson.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Earthy, moody colors cosset wellness-seekers in the treatment rooms, making way for organic cream hues in the diminutive swimming pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Knicks are slight favorites to win Game 4, and a win would flip things back around.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • If your car is equipped with front radar or driver‑assist features, dirt on the sensor or slight misalignment from a parking‑lot bump could also be the culprit.
    Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But our understanding of pedantry, denoting the sticklerishness of academic specialists and grammar obsessives, is a relatively narrow one.
    Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Of course, the narrow bench-style seat will also help shorter riders flat-foot the motorcycle perfectly.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What last Friday’s 5-0 win away to Sunderland might have done for Pereira is give him just a tiny bit more freedom; the opportunity to go slightly stronger with his team selections in these two games against Villa, either side of a still-vital trip to Chelsea on Monday.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The technique used to measure the singularities’ velocity could open the door to studying other tiny, fast phenomena in physics, chemistry and biology—or perhaps to find new ways to encode quantum information in materials, according to the researchers.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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