minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
Synonyms of minimal
1
: relating to or being a minimum: such as
a
: the least possible
a victory won with minimal loss of life
b
: barely adequate
a minimal standard of living
c
: very small or slight
a minimal interest in art
2
often Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally
ˈmi-nə-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of minimal

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Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
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.
Santos’ approach to the game contains mild thrills and minimal spills. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Decentralized floating robots FloatForm is a decentralized swarm robotics system that enables small autonomous boats to self-assemble into larger floating structures and reconfigure them with minimal human intervention. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Typically, Reclamation aims for a 300,000 acre-foot threshold by the end of December — a number the Water Forum deems sufficient to survive a subsequent dry year with minimal implications. — Corey Schmidt july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 In the weeks since, McConnell's office has offered minimal details about what prompted the senator to seek medical attention. — Gabrielle Banks, USA Today, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimal

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Phrases Containing minimal

Browse Nearby Words

minim
minimal
minimal art
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Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally
-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions
tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatment—J. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal care—A. S. Oser
side effects are minimal

More from Merriam-Webster on minimal

Nglish: Translation of minimal for Spanish Speakers

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