as in nothing
something of little importance
the money we spend on cable is small beer compared to the mortgage payment we have to come up with every month
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Recent Examples of small beer
South of the Border Founded in 1949 by Alan Schafer as a small beer stand just south of the North Carolina–South Carolina line (hence the name), South of the Border grew into one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the South.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
In addition to approving the city permits, the commissioners also recommended that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board grant the project’s request for a (Type 23) state alcohol license allowing a small beer manufacturing operation and a (Type 74) license for a craft distillery.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
In addition to approving the city permits, the commissioners also recommended that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board grant the project’s request for a (Type 23) state alcohol license allowing a small beer manufacturing operation and a (Type 74) license for a craft distillery.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Of course, a pipeline is small beer compared to the world’s largest island, Greenland, laden with energy resources and rare earths.
—Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small beer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small beer
Noun
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While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
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When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After debuting in 2007, The Big Bang Theory entertained viewers with the everyday trivialities and obsessions of friends who work in science.—
Lincee Ray,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
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For Rayo’s Conference League play-off second leg against Belarusian side Neman Grodno in August, neither the desks for the media (a triviality) nor the toilets for disabled supporters (a disgrace) had been finished in time.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These small changes, when acted on, can improve ratings, which can then improve conversion rates, and subsequently improves profitability without requiring you to spend an extra dollar on ads.—
Usman Ilyas,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
-
Suggest a small change to a plan, such as a weekly check-in.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Small beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20beer. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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