minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
1
: relating to or being a minimum: such as
a
: the least possible
a victory won with minimal loss of life
b
: barely adequate
a minimal standard of living
c
: very small or slight
a minimal interest in art
2
often capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally adverb

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
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.
Some celebrities, like Lorde and Charlize Theron, impressed viewers with minimal reactions to the spiciest chicken. Conor Murray, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Folding into a collective desire for clean, minimal environments, Scandinavian design is commonly associated with light, neutral palettes that create a calm setting. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024 But consumers feel less wealthy due to falling property prices and minimal social welfare. Reuters, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has minimal light pollution and is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for minimal 

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near minimal

Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions
tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatmentJ. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal careA. S. Oser
side effects are minimal

More from Merriam-Webster on minimal

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