small

adjective

ˈsmȯl How to pronounce small (audio)
Definition of smallnext
1
as in little
of a size that is less than average a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in off
small in degree your chances of winning the lottery are so small that it's best not to count on it

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3
as in minor
lacking importance reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention

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4
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

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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
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

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 Even the smallest black dot of mold can affect your health by causing respiratory illnesses or triggering certain allergic reactions from breathing it in constantly. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 Though the alpha-hydroxy acid is an all-star of an active, its rewards aren’t without some small risks—mainly, irritation and sensitivity if used incorrectly. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025 The space consists of two levels—one for dancing and one for dining at small cocktail tables. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025 Lee already had six permanent tattoos –– small ones easily hidden by clothing –– and thought this was a good opportunity to try out a more visible tattoo. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
  1. little
  2. off
  3. minor
  4. petty
  5. diminutive
  6. slim
  7. slight
  8. parochial
Adjective
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For starters, the clear formula comes in a cute little bottle that looks more like a serum than tanning drops.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of little
Adjective
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of off
Adjective
  • As mentioned above, taking creatine in higher doses, such as 20 grams per day, may trigger minor side effects like water retention.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Commonly known as Tylenol, it's thought to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains by raising your body's pain threshold and regulating your body temperature.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • Image In Davao, Mr. Duterte remains widely popular, remembered for cracking down on problems like drugs, petty crime and violence.
    — Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Where Hub once pursued petty criminals, he’s now charged with rounding up escaped demons by the Devil himself.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of petty
Adjective
  • While diminutive, his many admirers would call him an intellectual giant.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Patty Maloney, the diminutive actress known for her work with actor Billy Barty and for her role on the cult classic Star Wars Holiday Special, died March 31, her manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of diminutive
Adjective
  • The blush duo contains two blush shades in one palette and has a slim, lightweight design that fits easily in a purse or makeup bag.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The slim margin means that if Griffin succeeds in throwing even a fraction of the ballots in the race out, the results could swing in his favor.
    — Lucille Sherman, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • Dawn came on chilly with a slight overcast and a light breeze.
    — Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The rear camera's OIS yields mostly smooth video, but there's some slight bumpiness here and there.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of slight
Adjective
  • The plum political prize, of course, will be deciding how congressional districts are drawn, perhaps giving this parochial court a major say in which party—and its preferred Speaker—gets to run the U.S. House.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There is nothing more parochial or bland than being a soft, white Anglican kid from Ottawa.
    — Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of parochial

Phrases Containing small

Browse Nearby Words

smacks (of)
small
small arm
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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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