LITTLE Synonyms: 616 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'little' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive , miniature , minute , small , and tiny . While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity. // your pathetic little smile

Q: When is 'diminutive' a more appropriate choice than 'little'?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness. // diminutive bonsai plants

Q: In what contexts can 'miniature' take the place of 'little'?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale. // a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Q: When would 'minute' be a good substitute for 'little'?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness. // a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

Q: How are the words 'small' and 'little' related?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number. // a relatively small backyard

Q: How do 'tiny' and 'minute' relate to one another, in the sense of 'little'?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute . // tiny cracks formed in the painting

little 1 of 3

adjective

ˈli-tᵊl

Definition of little next

as in short

having relatively little height there was a little hedge separating the two lawns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

lacking importance there were just a few little details left to take care of

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in narrow

not broad or open in views or opinions little-minded people who dislike the fact that human society is always progressing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brief

not lasting for a considerable time let's take a little pause to relax

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in diminutive

of a size that is less than average the petting zoo has a little horse in addition to all of the goats and sheep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

little

2 of 3

adverb

as in slightly

in a very small quantity or degree we had little more than we needed to survive in the wilderness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rarely

not often he's been studying very little for the bar exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

little

3 of 3

noun

as in bit

a very small amount there's just a little of the pie left

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word little distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When is diminutive a more appropriate choice than little?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

In what contexts can miniature take the place of little?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When would minute be a good substitute for little?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of little?

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 little

Adjective

But right now, the future trajectory of bird flu points to the real possibility that the U.S. will have to weather the virus’s spread among people, with leadership that’s shown little interest in addressing it. —

Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024 There is little sign that Rowling’s views are impacting her sales. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024

Adverb

As a curveball to shake up a model that changes very little — William F. For me, the biggest appeal of FPL is its simplicity and it shouldn’t be tampered with. —

Holly Shand, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost 0.11%, while the broad index closed little changed at 5,917.11, The Dow Jones Industrial Average was a bright spot, gaining 0.32%. —

Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024

Noun

Meanwhile, larger-cap indexes held up better relative to the small-cap gauge, with the S&P 500 ending the week little changed. —

Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2024 Considered one of the scariest haunted houses in Cincinnati, the littles can visit with the lights on and friendly ghouls hand out candy. —

Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for little

Recent Examples of Synonyms for little

Adjective

Lathan sought to create visually compelling short films featuring intimate vignettes about the whimsy, experiments and delights of everyday life such as making a pie.

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
While three days might not be enough to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, even a short retreat can offer a profound reconnection with nature and oneself.

Julia Eskins, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024