miniature 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of miniaturenext
as in tiny
very small in size a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

miniature

2 of 2

noun

ˈmi-nē-ə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce miniature (audio)
as in reproduction
an exact representation of something in greatly reduced size a diorama filled with miniatures of town buildings as they looked in the 19th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word miniature distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of miniature are diminutive, little, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When might diminutive be a better fit than miniature?

Although the words diminutive and miniature have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When can little be used instead of miniature?

The synonyms little and miniature are sometimes interchangeable, but little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

In what contexts can minute take the place of miniature?

The words minute and miniature can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of miniature?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

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

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 miniature
Adjective
The proteins fit together in the same way as in eukaryotes, although the structures were made up of five rods, rather than 13, making a miniature tubule. —Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 In addition to its use as a flavorful herb, many gardeners grow rosemary in a container as a miniature Christmas tree for the kitchen. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Why Giovanni Loves Molise Molise is Italy in miniature. —Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Drones function like miniature, flying garbage trucks Each of Airlift’s DJI drones can haul up to 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) of trash at a time. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
  1. tiny
  2. reproduction
  3. minuscule
  4. replica
  5. imitation
  6. model
Adjective
  • And in the case of this particular tiny home, the Timberline model by Amazon brand Allwood, that picture-perfect retreat is just a click away.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • So pack that sunscreen, toss a floppy hat into your weekend bag, and get ready to sip fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of tiny
Noun
  • Schnuelle had a degree in veterinary medicine with areas of clinical emphasis in dairy production medicine, bovine embryology, and canine reproduction, according to Auburn University's website.
    — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Her father took her to the museum; her mother bought her reproduction posters, books, and art supplies.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • Scientists can estimate a few days or even a week ahead of time when lava is likely to emerge with the help of sensors around the volcano that detect earthquakes and minuscule changes in the angle of the ground, which indicate when magma is inflating or deflating.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
  • And if the Panthers struggle, the difference in picks could be minuscule.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Definition of minuscule
Noun
  • Creator @tinalemac shared her step-by-step process for transforming a plain IKEA mirror into a high-end replica using nothing more than tin foil and air-dry clay.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Acutis' tomb in Assisi—his body displayed in a wax replica and dressed in casual clothes and sneakers—has become a major pilgrimage site, and relics associated with him have toured internationally.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of replica
Noun
  • Sleep-mimicking anesthetics, like Dex, don’t produce a perfect imitation.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Residences’ partners insisted wood be wood, leather be leather, and plastic should never be a faux substitute because the ultra rich instantly spot imitations.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Definition of imitation
Noun
  • Built to last, the 2020 model features a new roof design that boasts up to 90 pounds per square foot of snow load.
    — Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone 17 lineup is headlined by the addition of the iPhone 17 Air, which takes the place of the iPhone Plus model that served as the company's second tier phone.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of model

Browse Nearby Words

mini
miniature
miniatures
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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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