1
as in little
of a size that is less than average a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 small Residents of the small town of Porepunkah, where police attempted to carry out a search warrant on Freeman’s home, have been advised to stay indoors, where possible. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 Free onion rings at Portillo’s Through Sept. 1, Portillo’s Perks members can get a free small onion ring order with a $1.13 purchase. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025 Going directly from cooking inside the house and only trying my own food to trying small restaurants and traveling within a week’s span was a blessing. Kenneth J. Williams Jr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 On a sunny morning in late June, his exercise regimen began with small steps: His right foot keeping pace with the treadmill, his left foot stationary, off to the side. Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • In an environment like that of Gaza today, where most people live in tents or shelters with very little clean water, and with much of the sewage system destroyed, illness is rife and people with weakened immunity are at even greater risk, all the aid agencies said.
    Dawoud Abu Alkas, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Approximately 40% of cancers are preventable, but little attention has been paid to the value of exercise as a preventive measure.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In December 2022, Kendra Licari was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking a minor, two counts of communicating with another to commit a crime and one count of obstruction of justice, according to the arrest warrant obtained by NBC News.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Licari's mom was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking a minor and two counts of communicating with another to commit a crime, according to NBC News.
    Beth Sobol, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As Virginia's next Governor, Abigail will continue to put petty political games aside, put Virginia first, and stand up to the chaos in Washington to deliver for the Commonwealth — because that's the leadership Virginians deserve.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get?
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the diminutive blue Smurfs took over as Smurfs’ Enchanted Voyage in 1984.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Despite being sacked a league-high 48 times in 2019, the diminutive Murray still hit nearly 65 percent of his throws while maintaining his presence as a dual-threat player.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a video, Infiniti teased the low-slung vehicle, revealing a swoopy profile, slim headlights, and circular taillights reminiscent of the Skyline.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The Texas House voted 88-52 along party lines on Wednesday to pass the map that Republicans say will strengthen their slim majority in Washington ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
    KEYE Staff, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On the Forest end, there is a slight sense that some fans almost relish the idea of being disliked.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The August survey, though, may indicate a slight rebound.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Illinois Republicans have routinely seized on Pritzker’s presidential aspirations, accusing him of putting his political ambitions ahead of the more parochial concerns of the state’s voters.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
  • South suburban committee members, meanwhile, showed parochial loyalty to Kelly.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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