Small Synonym: List of 48 Synonyms for Small with Useful Examples

Small Synonym

“Small” is a useful word, but sometimes it can feel a bit…well, small. When describing something diminutive or insignificant, you might need something more specific, something that captures the nuances of size or importance. That’s where the treasure trove of synonyms comes in!

Small Meaning

Physical Size:

• Limited in size: This is the most common meaning, referring to something having a smaller size or dimension compared to others of its kind. (e.g., “The kitten was very small.”)

Quantity or Amount:

• Low in number or amount: It can also indicate a small number or quantity of something. (e.g., “There was only a small amount of milk left in the carton.”)

Importance or Significance:

• Minor or insignificant: “Small” can also suggest something lacking in importance or consequence. (e.g., “It was a small matter that I quickly forgot.”)

Other Meanings:

• Lowercase: In writing, “small” refers to lowercase letters as opposed to uppercase.
• Humble or Modest: In some contexts, “small” can imply being humble or unpretentious.

List of Synonyms for Small

Small Synonyms with Examples

Here is a list of synonyms for “small” with their meanings and examples:

Tiny

• Meaning: Very small.
• Example: The kitten was tiny and could fit in the palm of my hand.

Miniature

• Meaning: Much smaller than normal.
• Example: The artist created a miniature model of the building.

Little

• Meaning: Small in size, amount, or degree.
• Example: She has a little puppy that follows her everywhere.

Petite

• Meaning: Small and dainty.
• Example: She was a petite woman with delicate features.

Compact

• Meaning: Small and neatly arranged.
• Example: The compact car is perfect for city driving.

Minute

• Meaning: Extremely small.
• Example: The minute details of the painting were impressive.

Mini

• Meaning: A smaller version of something.
• Example: She bought a mini fridge for her dorm room.

Modest

• Meaning: Small, moderate, or limited in size.
• Example: They lived in a modest house on the outskirts of town.

Slight

• Meaning: Small in degree; inconsiderable.
• Example: There was a slight delay in the flight schedule.

Minor

• Meaning: Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
• Example: The injury was minor and required no stitches.

Puny

• Meaning: Small and weak.
• Example: The puny plant struggled to grow in the poor soil.

Diminutive

• Meaning: Extremely or unusually small.
• Example: The diminutive figure in the distance was barely visible.

Microscopic

• Meaning: So small as to be visible only with a microscope.
• Example: The scientist examined the microscopic organisms in the water sample.

Wee

• Meaning: Very small; tiny.
• Example: The baby held a wee teddy bear in her arms.

Pocket-sized

• Meaning: Small enough to fit in a pocket.
• Example: She carried a pocket-sized notebook for jotting down ideas.

Negligible

• Meaning: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
• Example: The cost difference was negligible, so we chose the better quality.

Infinitesimal

• Meaning: Extremely small.
• Example: The error in the measurement was infinitesimal.

Bitsy

• Meaning: Tiny or small.
• Example: The bitsy puppy ran around the yard.

Bitty

• Meaning: Very small.
• Example: She collected bitty trinkets from her travels.

Dinky

• Meaning: Small and insignificant.
• Example: The dinky toy was lost among the larger ones.

Teeny

• Meaning: Very small.
• Example: She wore a teeny pendant around her neck.

Teeny-weeny

• Meaning: Very tiny.
• Example: The ant was carrying a teeny-weeny crumb.

Lilliputian

• Meaning: Extremely small or tiny.
• Example: The lilliputian village was a popular tourist attraction.

Bantam

• Meaning: Small, but spirited or combative.
• Example: The bantam rooster crowed loudly in the morning.

Scant

• Meaning: Barely sufficient or adequate.
• Example: The recipe called for a scant teaspoon of salt.

Paltry

• Meaning: Small or meager.
• Example: The workers were paid a paltry sum for their efforts.

Insubstantial

• Meaning: Lacking strength and solidity.
• Example: The evidence was insubstantial and did not hold up in court.

Trivial

• Meaning: Of little value or importance.
• Example: The argument was over a trivial matter.

Meager

• Meaning: Lacking in quantity or quality.
• Example: The villagers had a meager harvest this year.

Sparse

• Meaning: Thinly dispersed or scattered.
• Example: The vegetation was sparse in the desert.

Low

• Meaning: Below the usual level or amount.
• Example: The reservoir’s water level was low after the drought.

Skimpy

• Meaning: Less than enough.
• Example: The portions at the restaurant were skimpy.

Insignificant

• Meaning: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
• Example: The amount of money lost was insignificant compared to the total budget.

Slim

• Meaning: Small in quantity.
• Example: There was only a slim chance of rain.

Svelte

• Meaning: Slender and elegant.
• Example: The svelte model walked down the runway.

Thin

• Meaning: Having little thickness.
• Example: The ice on the pond was thin and unsafe.

Narrow

• Meaning: Of small width.
• Example: The narrow alleyway was barely wide enough for a car.

Unassuming

• Meaning: Modest; not arrogant.
• Example: Despite his success, he remained unassuming.

Pygmy

• Meaning: Very small.
• Example: The pygmy goat was a favorite at the petting zoo.

Runty

• Meaning: Small and weak.
• Example: The runty kitten needed extra care.

Small-scale

• Meaning: Limited in size or scope.
• Example: They launched a small-scale business from their garage.

Minuscule

• Meaning: Extremely small.
• Example: The writing on the contract was minuscule and hard to read.

Pipsqueak

• Meaning: A person or thing that is insignificant or small.
• Example: He dismissed his rival as a mere pipsqueak.

Dwarfish

• Meaning: Very small.
• Example: The dwarfish plants looked out of place in the garden.

Half-pint

• Meaning: Small; a person or thing of small size or little importance.
• Example: The little half-pint was the youngest in the class.

Baby

• Meaning: Very small or immature.
• Example: She planted baby carrots in her garden.

Lowly

• Meaning: Low in status or importance.
• Example: He started his career in a lowly position.

Humble

• Meaning: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.
• Example: She lived in a humble cottage by the sea.

Small Synonyms Infographic

By exploring the vast array of synonyms for “small,” you can add depth, precision, and nuance to your writing. So, the next time you encounter something diminutive, don’t settle for “small” – unleash your vocabulary and paint a vivid picture with the perfect word!

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