as in small
of a size that is less than average
a smallish row of bushes lining the yard
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Recent Examples of smallish
Because of its smallish size, Kentucky’s capital (population 28,000) is a city where neighborliness and politics go hand in hand.
—
Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
Next is Boll’s bedroom, a smallish, enveloping cabin.
—Laura Bannister, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025
Even though this smallish island was a fraction of the size of France, its capital markets enabled it to successfully finance its global contest with France, whose crude financial system was a severe handicap in financing those wars.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
Next is Boll’s bedroom, a smallish, enveloping cabin.
—Laura Bannister, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025
Even though this smallish island was a fraction of the size of France, its capital markets enabled it to successfully finance its global contest with France, whose crude financial system was a severe handicap in financing those wars.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smallish
Adjective
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This personal blender can whip up breakfast smoothies, sauces and dips, salsas, omelets, and more thanks to its small but mighty 250-watt power base and stainless steel cross blade.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike prior targets, KY26 was chosen for its comparatively diminutive size.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Sep. 2025
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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
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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
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Most available positions are informal, poorly compensated and offer little stability or room for career growth.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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When the tiny home arrives, a semi-permanent setup is as easy as leveling the surface, hooking up utilities, and anchoring the home, if desired, which can be accomplished with the help of the builder’s team.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
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Every day is a new chance to accurately fix the coördinates of my appearance in clothes, to make tiny adjustments, as if focussing a lens.—
Rachel Kushner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smallish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smallish. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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