as in slightest
being the least in amount, number, or size possible
the beached whales were returned to the sea with only minimal loss of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 minimal
Designers are over minimal, matchy-matchy interiors.
—
Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Smith-Njigba completed the look with sleek, silver-tone wrap-style sunglasses and a structured black leather duffle bag with minimal hardware.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Feb. 2026
While some offer minimal coverage (occasionally teetering on no coverage), this one gave her an even, flawless complexion.
—Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Steaming minimizes nutrient loss by using minimal water and a short cooking time.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Smith-Njigba completed the look with sleek, silver-tone wrap-style sunglasses and a structured black leather duffle bag with minimal hardware.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Feb. 2026
While some offer minimal coverage (occasionally teetering on no coverage), this one gave her an even, flawless complexion.
—Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Steaming minimizes nutrient loss by using minimal water and a short cooking time.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for minimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minimal
Adjective
-
Re-signing the former Appalachian State punter on another veteran minimum deal seems reasonable.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The most vulnerable consumers would include those who have unsteady hours at work, paychecks that vary significantly week to week, and often only are able to make the minimum monthly payments.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
8 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
Cite this Entry
“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minimal. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
