as in nothing
something of little importance
the money we spend on cable is small beer compared to the mortgage payment we have to come up with every month
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 beer
In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer.
—
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
To merely denounce the war, or to call for the end of American military support for Israel, would have been small beer.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
This was, to Biden’s critics on the left, small beer.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
To merely denounce the war, or to call for the end of American military support for Israel, would have been small beer.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
This was, to Biden’s critics on the left, small beer.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small beer
Noun
-
When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
All the more reason for those under this sign to embrace the softness and triviality of floral prints right before spring arrives.—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Any piece of art begins in triviality.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Just that small change alone would be welcome even with Norman Powell and Tyler Herro together.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Because of its massive volume, even small changes in lake water levels carry huge implications for regional water security, hydropower planning, ecosystems, and recreation.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Small beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20beer. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
