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Definition of littlenext
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little

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adverb

little

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word little distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When is diminutive a more appropriate choice than little?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

In what contexts can miniature take the place of little?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When would minute be a good substitute for little?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related?

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

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of little?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

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 little
Adjective
Too much federal spending today supports administrative overhead, ideological programs, and foreign commitments that do little to benefit American taxpayers. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 And my little sister had a little walk down the carpet and then went out for dinner with my grandparents. Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Adverb
Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026 Although his own writings are little known today, Malcolm Cowley became one of the great champions of American literature. Brenda Wineapple, The New York Review of Books, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
These bags offer warmth, safety, and peace of mind for parents who want to bring their littles on all of their camping trips. Joe Jackson, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 Kaling loves to share a look into life with her three littles, Katherine, Spencer and Anne, but never posts the kids' faces. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little
Adjective
  • Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sometimes just a couple of hours with someone, or several short meetings, can really get someone moving in a different way.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The small edit stood out for its playful party spirit and the brand was instantly associated to a sense of fun and maximalism unusual in the Scandinavian fashion scene.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a narrow margin means only a handful of disgruntled GOP members are needed to deal a defeat to their party leadership.
    Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • On that day, the moon will completely cover the sun for several minutes along a narrow path of totality that sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The crucial employment snapshot is slightly delayed because of the brief government shutdown and will show whether the trajectory improved for the US labor market, which has been stuck in a low-hire and low-fire lull.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • School officials issued a brief statement saying the VA had offered to meet with them in Washington.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Poison dart frog species have long fascinated researchers and the public, partly because of their diminutive size and striking color patterns and also because of the stories surrounding the deadly toxins found on their bodies.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
  • To see a Cisitalia 202 in the metal is to appreciate how diminutive and jewellike the car really is.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Once this economic leveling is accomplished, homestead exemptions can be reduced slightly.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Hudsonian whimbrels, to be exact, shorebirds about the size of crows with long, thin, slightly curved beaks.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • School photos are rarely acceptable without a release from the photographer.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And while tensions on the Korean Peninsula often capture global headlines, these issues rarely affect daily life in Seoul.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With the margarita, that little bit of extra kick creates a perfect pairing.
    Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Olive salad adds punchy, bold flavor while chewy bits of salami add smoky, savory notes to each bite.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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