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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

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a small amount
a tiny amount
an insignificant amount
a minimal amount
a trivial amount
a modest amount
a small town
a quaint town
a rural town
a little town
a tiny town
a rustic town
small changes
minor changes
subtle changes
slight changes
incremental changes
trivial changes
small pieces
minuscule pieces
manageable pieces
little pieces
fine pieces

Synonym Chooser

How is the word small distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of small are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

In what contexts can diminutive take the place of small?

In some situations, the words diminutive and small are roughly equivalent. However, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of small?

The meanings of little and small largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When could miniature be used to replace small?

The words miniature and small can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When is it sensible to use minute instead of small?

The words minute and small are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words tiny and minute related as synonyms of small?

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 small Even the smallest black dot of mold can affect your health by causing respiratory illnesses or triggering certain allergic reactions from breathing it in constantly. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 Though the alpha-hydroxy acid is an all-star of an active, its rewards aren’t without some small risks—mainly, irritation and sensitivity if used incorrectly. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025 The space consists of two levels—one for dancing and one for dining at small cocktail tables. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025 Lee already had six permanent tattoos –– small ones easily hidden by clothing –– and thought this was a good opportunity to try out a more visible tattoo. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • Obstetricians say, at the end of the day, AFE is really just a product of bad luck, and there's little that can be done to prevent it.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Sounds so stupid — like, my heart and soul is about those little sticks with a bunch of sugar on it?
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Except the Giants did it without an off day, on both sides of the country, and against contending teams.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That was enough for the Cavaliers to overcome an off day from All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who totaled just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-8 shooting on threes.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As mentioned above, taking creatine in higher doses, such as 20 grams per day, may trigger minor side effects like water retention.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Commonly known as Tylenol, it's thought to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains by raising your body's pain threshold and regulating your body temperature.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Days later, the California native hopped on X and taunted the Honestly Nevermind producer with a series of petty insults.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The real worry, though, is their kids one day finding everything online—a fear more relatable than petty.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While diminutive, his many admirers would call him an intellectual giant.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Patty Maloney, the diminutive actress known for her work with actor Billy Barty and for her role on the cult classic Star Wars Holiday Special, died March 31, her manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Which is why, day after day, the deeply faithful and the merely curious alike assemble before St. Peter's to stare at that slim chimney.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As is common for ultraportables, the port selection is slim but capable.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This lightweight cream truly melts right in without the slightest bit of cast.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The plum political prize, of course, will be deciding how congressional districts are drawn, perhaps giving this parochial court a major say in which party—and its preferred Speaker—gets to run the U.S. House.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There is nothing more parochial or bland than being a soft, white Anglican kid from Ottawa.
    Graydon Carter, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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