fine print

noun

: something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure
especially : a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language

Examples of fine print in a Sentence

Read the fine print before you sign the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And read the fine print carefully: Your $5 million doesn't buy you immediate citizenship. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 June 2025 In campaign mailers, the bold print does the damage — not the fine print. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025 Maryland Democrats have discovered a new trick: rebrand forced payment as compassionate policy — and hope no one reads the fine print. Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025 The fine print: The city held a public hearing on the rules for Johnston's plans last week and is now reviewing feedback before finalizing them. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fine print

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fine print was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fine print.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fine%20print. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

fine print

noun
: a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions or limitations often in small type or obscure language
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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