least 1 of 2

Definition of leastnext

least

2 of 2

noun

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 least
Adjective
He had been married at least twice and had two brothers, although the siblings didn't stay in touch. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 The current structure dates to the 15th century, though the site has been occupied since at least the 1320s. Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
Women nominated for Grammy Awards, for instance, were most likely to be recognized for best new artist or song of the year and least likely to be up for producer of the year. August Brown, latimes.com, 25 Jan. 2018 As of now, the Power 5 league least likely to be represented in the playoff is the Pac-12, whose teams have steadily beaten each other; only one of its teams is ranked in The A.P.’s top 15. Marc Tracy, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2017 See All Example Sentences for least
Recent Examples of Synonyms for least
Noun
  • Seattle’s John Schneider and New England’s Eliot Wolf rose up from young nobodies to graduate from Green Bay Packers University, too.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Many of Newsom’s critics who breathlessly report on his evil plans (that the left-wing mainstream media supposedly cover up) are just nobodies who feign authority and are obviously fronting for right-wing organizations.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 16 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Analysts partially credit the stability to a mature domestic biofuels industry that allows the country to withstand geopolitical shocks with minimal risk of fuel shortages.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • For the most part, the nagging ailments have been minimal, with Jaquez appearing in all but seven games this season, after missing 16 last season.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After starters Mitch Keller and David Peterson matched zeros in 42-degree weather, Nick Gonzales lined an RBI single for Pittsburgh with one out in the 10th to break a scoreless tie.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Extrapolating from the National Weather Service estimates, the likelihood of being struck six times is roughly one in 13 septillion—that’s a 13 followed by 24 zeros.
    Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Who once misfit the eye as mere prosperity, the glare that causes objects.
    Timmy Straw, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Maybe the mere fact of having been born illustrious, with no apparent faults, with nothing to prove or to be ashamed of, had liberated John from the resentments the rest of us feel, and from the cunning and ambition such resentments fuel.
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The women earned as little as $25 per game—or frequently zilch.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Reviews have been mixed, with some critics embracing Gyllenhaal’s bold vision and others dismissing it as a whole lot of sound and fury, signifying zilch.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Your little girl was a little -- your littlest girl was a little naughty.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • All of our top picks for the littlest kids are $30 or less today.
    Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • During the Biden Administration, Pakistan had become a virtual pariah in Washington, or had been reduced to a nonentity, as the United States left Afghanistan and saw India as a means of countering China.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • All Dickens heroes are complete nonentities who know 217 wacky people.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/least. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on least

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster