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

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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 In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper and garlic powder. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 This ultra-lightweight chair weighs just 3 pounds and packs into a carrying case the size of a small purse. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 Those are the numbers for a 2.5-MW commercial-scale version, anyway; thus far, the idea has only been tested at smaller scale. —Loz Blain june 30, New Atlas, 30 June 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
  • The specialized wedding dress retailer crafts unique dresses for the plush accessory, giving the Pop Mart little monster toy the bridal treatment in an unconventional way.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
  • And who was on the plane, who’s in the little black book?
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Definition of little
Adjective
  • No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
    — John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Entering play Thursday, an off day for the Yankees, the reigning American League MVP had the highest average (.361), OPS (1.180), fWAR (6.1) and wRC+ (221) in baseball.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Definition of off
Adjective
  • Besides the home advantage, Pia Sundhage’s side had a minor edge on goal difference, which meant a draw would be enough for them.
    — Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • If some minor differences related to your job occur today, don’t let this get in the way of happy times with others.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • The Moon is opposite Mercury in your sign, and this can trigger petty squabbles.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
  • We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore.
    — Rob Day, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of petty
Adjective
  • The diminutive Argentine ghosted between defenders, leapt high behind 6ft 2in center back Rio Ferdinand and met the ball with a perfect header, looping it past goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar into the far corner of the net.
    — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • There was the diminutive Puck, whose tiny body could hurdle through foes like a bowling ball, and Sasquatch, the scientist Walter Langkowski who transformed into a Hulk-like mythical Great Beast of the North with but a thought.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Definition of diminutive
Adjective
  • The former is focusing on the general consumer audience as Samsung’s marketing leans into the benefits of AI, while Honor positions the latter as a more fashionable and cutting-edge design due to its slim nature.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Two distinct camps are emerging instead: while some people are partial to a slimmer silhouette, others prefer a chunky tennis shoes.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 July 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • There is a slight chance of showers after 4 a.m. with a partly cloudy night.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
  • Plus, the slight distressing gives it a rustic look and helps disguise wear and tear.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Definition of slight
Adjective
  • There also appeared to be a number of parochial changes aimed at placating some of the most vocal opponents of the legislation, including several for Alaska, home to Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican who has said the measure would hurt her state.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025
  • Brian Colbert ran on a parochial platform focused on garden-variety local issues.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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 22 Jul. 2025.

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