miniature 1 of 2

miniature

2 of 2

noun

as in reproduction
an exact representation of something in greatly reduced size a diorama filled with miniatures of town buildings as they looked in the 19th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word miniature distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of miniature are diminutive, little, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When might diminutive be a better fit than miniature?

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

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of miniature?

The synonyms little and miniature are sometimes interchangeable, but little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

In what contexts can minute take the place of miniature?

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

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of miniature?

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

a relatively small backyard

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of miniature?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

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 miniature
Adjective
Years before the emoji keyboard, Morph could change himself into gigantic eyes or miniature versions of other people. Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025 In addition to a bounty of vegetables, fruits, flowers and interactive learning activities, there to meet them were cavorting goats, buzzing bees, beneficial garden creatures such as pill bugs and worms, and Howie the miniature Scottish Highland Cross steer who loves attention and animal crackers. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
These lifelike miniatures of iconic landmarks can be found on the Panorama — which, at 9,335 square feet, is the largest model of New York City, meticulously hand-built at a scale of 1:1,200. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025 The Frontierland concept is still present, complete with a pony ranch and a stagecoach, as is a haunted house and a land themed to miniatures, a concept that would ultimately become the Storybook Land Canal Boats. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • Every detail is analyzed to maximize sound quality, Maserati says, down to the tiniest features.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The former Dixon comptroller embezzled nearly $54 million from the tiny town to fund a lavish lifestyle.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • This behavior increases their chance of survival and reproduction.
    Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • Pesticides, even in small amounts, can impact bees’ immune system, navigation, memory and other functions that are critical to their survival and reproduction, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has a Chicago office and has worked to protect the environment since 1970.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • Summer Benowitz with blob: An anthropomorphic blob attempts to turn itself back into a human — one minuscule, infuriating, frivolous, anxiety-provoking task at a time (a show about being in your 20s).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • At Vauxhall Gardens in London, for example, Frederick Prince of Wales built the structures in imitation of designs from the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 24 May 2025
  • One memorable performance involved an artist who danced topless around the structural column, in imitation of an erotic dance.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Toyota's midsize sedan is a best-selling model in its segment that competes with popular rivals like the Honda Accord.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.
    Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on miniature

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!