fine print

noun

: something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure
especially : a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language

Examples of fine print in a Sentence

Read the fine print before you sign the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is also confirmed to be backwards compatible with previous Switch games, a feature that many had hoped would be included, although the fine print notes that some games may not be fully compatible. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025 The fine print: The Met Council's forecast doesn't spell out how much of each city's population growth will come from immigration. Kyle Stokes, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 Imagine an Amazon that doesn’t just bury its data practices in fine print but actively invites users to engage with them. Jason Snyder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Also hidden in the fine print is that should any of your belongings get stolen, the cruise will reimburse you only up to $100. Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fine print 

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fine print was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near fine print

Cite this Entry

“Fine print.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fine%20print. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

fine print

noun
: a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions or limitations often in small type or obscure language
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!