SMALL Synonyms: 295 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

small

adjective

ˈsmȯl

Definition of small next

as in little

of a size that is less than average a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in off

small in degree your chances of winning the lottery are so small that it's best not to count on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in minor

lacking importance reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in petty

not broad or open in views or opinions townspeople who were helpful to one another but who also could be small and intolerant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For

Try This

a small amount

a tiny amount

an insignificant amount

a minimal amount

a trivial amount

a modest amount

a small town

a quaint town

a rural town

a little town

a tiny town

a rustic town

small changes

minor changes

subtle changes

slight changes

incremental changes

trivial changes

small pieces

minuscule pieces

microscopic pieces

manageable pieces

little pieces

fine pieces

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

Examples 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 Chef Jon Butler’s menu is small but thoughtful, leaning into California simplicity, with market-fresh salads, grilled cauliflower steak with sauce vierge, and grilled fish and chops. —

David Hochman, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 The evidence for using probiotics in IBS is lacking because study results are conflicting, and the number of study participants is small. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025 Arc’teryx Women's Atom Insulated Hoodie $300 $210 at REI Coming in at just 10.9 ounces and compressing down to be smaller than my beloved Cabeau travel pillow, the Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie is one of the most packable jackets on the market. —

Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025 Many elderberry studies have been small and do not compare elderberry to other cold and flu symptom treatment options. —

Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for small

Recent Examples of Synonyms for small

Adjective

The grand tourer had a lot to live up to but had little trouble doing so thanks to its sleek exterior and potent Colombo V-12.

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025
But opening more federal land to oil drilling may do little to reduce gasoline prices.

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025