Definition of tinynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tiny distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of tiny are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and small. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

When could diminutive be used to replace tiny?

While in some cases nearly identical to tiny, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When is little a more appropriate choice than tiny?

The meanings of little and tiny largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When might miniature be a better fit than tiny?

The words miniature and tiny 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 can minute be used instead of tiny?

Although the words minute and tiny have much in common, 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 tiny?

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

a relatively small backyard

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 tiny Collins revealed on Instagram that her daughter’s hair had finally grown long enough to be pulled into a tiny ponytail. Elle Meier, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026 Supporters of the project were only a tiny minority. Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Bees of all kinds (with a tiny handful of exceptions) are essential pollinators to an astounding 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 Microplastics are tiny particles from larger plastic items that have been detected in the human body and external sources. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tiny
Adjective
  • Even if such minuscule PBHs were created, most of them might be gone by now.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
  • But due to the lack of early round upsets, there are no schools remaining with minuscule budgets, and therefore no third-round matchups with huge financial disparities.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dust mites love to luxuriate here too, and these microscopic pests can wreak havoc on your allergies.
    Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Since 1665, when English physicist Robert Hooke coined the term cell to describe the microscopic view of cork, scientists have been developing increasingly sophisticated microscopy tools, enabling them to view ever-smaller details of cellular structure.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a standard poodle typically has around seven puppies, while miniature poodles average five and toy poodles average three.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the miniature quartz for ladies, at 26 mm, is probably $4,500.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the district's smallest elementary schools now serve only a couple of hundred students, limiting available resources.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Higher bond yields ripple through all kinds of credit markets, making everything from mortgages to small-business loans more expensive.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tiny. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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