small

adjective

ˈsmȯl How to pronounce small (audio)
Definition of smallnext
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

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3
as in minor
lacking importance reluctant to bring such a small matter to the boss's attention

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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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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 Teeny loves keeping the German shepherds and Bernese Mountain dog in line, despite being much smaller. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 The satin finish dress featured a mock neckline with a small cutout and included cap sleeves. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025 Nudie Jeans has a big idea for a new small retail concept. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Apr. 2025 With any luck, a little digestive distress will be just a small trade-off for getting past your illness and feeling like yourself again. —Beth Krietsch, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
  1. little
  2. off
  3. minor
  4. petty
  5. diminutive
  6. slim
  7. slight
  8. parochial
Adjective
  • There were little tiny water bubbles around each of them.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of little
Adjective
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of off
Adjective
  • Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
    — William B. Davis, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The incident, while ultimately only a minor one, did impact the rest of their vacation.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • Image In Davao, Mr. Duterte remains widely popular, remembered for cracking down on problems like drugs, petty crime and violence.
    — Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Where Hub once pursued petty criminals, he’s now charged with rounding up escaped demons by the Devil himself.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of petty
Adjective
  • The 2024 edition of this diminutive all-arounder—capable of gaming, media playback, and light productivity—sees an improvement in processing power over previous iterations thanks to the A17 Pro chip.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The button bush is not a diminutive plant, reaching up to 12 feet tall by 4 feet wide at maturity.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of diminutive
Adjective
  • The blush duo contains two blush shades in one palette and has a slim, lightweight design that fits easily in a purse or makeup bag.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The slim margin means that if Griffin succeeds in throwing even a fraction of the ballots in the race out, the results could swing in his favor.
    — Lucille Sherman, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • The rear camera's OIS yields mostly smooth video, but there's some slight bumpiness here and there.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Dawn came on chilly with a slight overcast and a light breeze.
    — Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of slight
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
Definition of parochial

Phrases Containing small

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smacks (of)
small
small arm
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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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