1
as in little
of a size that is less than average
a small cat who never weighed more than five pounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in off
small in degree
your chances of winning the lottery are so small that it's best not to count on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in minor
lacking importance
reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in petty
not broad or open in views or opinions
townspeople who were helpful to one another but who also could be small and intolerant
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small
While the expectations for a half point cut are small, there is clearly some hope the Fed will be more aggressive than most anticipate.
—
Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The doctors have to remove a small piece of his skull to release the pressure in his brain.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
If anything, its attention to the sad textures of teenage life seems to acknowledge that for many young people today, paying attention to their own life might feel futile or too small, given the relentlessness of the news.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Of the 122,000 American businesses that make up this industry, 92% are small businesses that employ fewer than 10 people.
—Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small
Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The doctors have to remove a small piece of his skull to release the pressure in his brain.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
If anything, its attention to the sad textures of teenage life seems to acknowledge that for many young people today, paying attention to their own life might feel futile or too small, given the relentlessness of the news.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Of the 122,000 American businesses that make up this industry, 92% are small businesses that employ fewer than 10 people.
—Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
-
The Olympic silver medalist ran textbook races all season with little to no critiques on form and competitive nature.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Most available positions are informal, poorly compensated and offer little stability or room for career growth.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This November’s key off-year contests and the 2026 midterm elections may not go well for the Republican Party; historically, the president’s party loses ground in both.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
19 Sep. 2025
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The peekaboo bra layering trend saw a resurgence in 2024, thanks in part to celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kristen Stewart and more styling the trend on the red carpet and with their off-duty attire.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The two had a minor pull-apart but Adam Pearce screamed it down.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component, less than 2%, of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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The petty back-and-forth continued throughout the interview and escalated to the point that Dash threatened to get physical with CTG.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike prior targets, KY26 was chosen for its comparatively diminutive size.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Sep. 2025
-
When the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship comes to the Twin Cities in December, not many will know that more than 50 years ago, a diminutive former Gophers hockey player was a catalyst in the establishment of the tournament that now garners worldwide media attention.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike my Vitamix, which takes up prime real estate on my kitchen island, the Smart Stick is slim enough to tuck away in a drawer and light enough to pop on the dish rack.—
Olivia Tarantino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Sep. 2025
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Hakuba Backpack This slim yet shockingly spacious backpack is a sleek personal item choice for air travel that’ll easily slide under the seat of most commercial airlines with room to spare.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The night’s slight chill is perfect for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon by an indoor fireplace or outdoor firepit.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Julie McNamara is back developing series for CBS Studios — with one slight difference.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Or if that is not parochial enough, there are some decent Carabao Cup ties on Tuesday, with Manchester United’s conquerors Grimsby Town going to Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace hosting Millwall, a replay of last season’s bruising FA Cup clash.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Now, fashion is very parochial and very predictable.—
James Fallon,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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