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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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 Less common species include the smaller drywood termite and the invasive Formosan termite. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Larger mushroom systems could find applications in edge computing and aerospace exploration, while smaller iterations might enhance autonomous systems and wearable devices. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025 Many small to mid-sized businesses are showing interest in more budget-friendly solutions that still offer a broad range of features. Jason Phillips, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025 In recent decades, scientists have discovered more moonlike objects in proximity to our own planet, too, including a handful of small asteroids that temporarily enter our orbit. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small
Adjective
  • Inside, two picnic tables were stacked on top of each other, leaving little room to climb.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • During last week's episode, viewers saw Dylan dance with his little sister, Olivia, for Dedication Night on.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On the right side of the room, a steel cut image is projected from the wall with fiberglass rods arranged in an off center trapezoid.
    Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And then the third Wednesday is an off week.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of them see it as a serious sign of lack of compatibility, rather than a minor difference in opinion.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Given the gale force NE'rly winds some minor soundside coastal flooding (up to 1-2 ft) may also occur starting with the Tue afternoon high tide cycle as well.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Any petty rivalries were put aside, and in the true sense of the actor’s code, offers came to help each other read over the piece.
    Jay Glennie, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Filmmaking is blind instinct, petty calculations, smooth generalship, daydreaming, pig-headedness, grace, bluff, risk.
    Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Baby-faced, diminutive, and drowned by the baggy shirts on his back, Mora is a child running rings around the pros.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That the diminutive McDaniel didn’t look (or sound) the part of an NFL head coach hardly mattered two years ago, when his team was hanging 70 points on Denver.
    Barry Jackson Updated October 19, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though pain is worsening every day for Americans, the prospects of any major deal getting cut while the leader of the Republican party is across the world are slim.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
  • That Blake Lively starrer launched to a $24 million opening day and a $50 million debut — against a slim $25 million production budget.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As her new album opens, Brandi Carlile is having a slight argument with herself.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The whisky is lovely despite its age (remember, sometimes older whiskies are not actually that good), with notes of caramel, licorice, mango, apple, berry, cinnamon, and a slight wisp of smoke on the palate.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The move likely seeks to rein in parochial infighting between military branches, which compete for congressional funding every year despite Hegseth and the White House officially controlling the process.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The disagreement is colored by Maine’s parochial politics.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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