small change

noun

Synonyms of small changenext
1
: coins of low denomination
2

Examples of small change in a Sentence

a pocket full of small change The fine is a lot of money to some people, but to him it's small change. My problems are small change compared to yours. He wasn't a major criminal. He was strictly small change.
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.
Forecasters will continue to adjust the forecast as Bertha moves closer to land, since small changes in the storm’s track could shift where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026 But coronavirus, with just a single spike protein, has a higher probability of relatively small changes making enough of a difference to slip through existing defenses. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026 Every time, there’s some small change — colour, structures — and when that changes, our software here can recreate the picture. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Closet basics shouldn’t be boring, and this boat-neck tank proves that a small change in silhouette can instantly elevate the simplest closet staple. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for small change

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of small change was in 1679

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Cite this Entry

“Small change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20change. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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