LITTLE Synonyms: 616 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'little' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive , miniature , minute , small , and tiny . While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity. // your pathetic little smile

Q: When is 'diminutive' a more appropriate choice than 'little'?

Although the words diminutive and little have much in common, diminutive implies abnormal smallness. // diminutive bonsai plants

Q: In what contexts can 'miniature' take the place of 'little'?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale. // a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Q: When would 'minute' be a good substitute for 'little'?

The words minute and little can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies extreme smallness. // a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

Q: How are the words 'small' and 'little' related?

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

Q: How do 'tiny' and 'minute' relate to one another, in the sense of 'little'?

Tiny is an informal equivalent to minute . // tiny cracks formed in the painting

little 1 of 3

adjective

ˈli-tᵊl

Definition of little next

as in short

having relatively little height there was a little hedge separating the two lawns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

lacking importance there were just a few little details left to take care of

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as in narrow

not broad or open in views or opinions little-minded people who dislike the fact that human society is always progressing

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as in brief

not lasting for a considerable time let's take a little pause to relax

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as in diminutive

of a size that is less than average the petting zoo has a little horse in addition to all of the goats and sheep

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little

2 of 3

adverb

as in slightly

in a very small quantity or degree we had little more than we needed to survive in the wilderness

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as in rarely

not often he's been studying very little for the bar exam

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little

3 of 3

noun

as in bit

a very small amount there's just a little of the pie left

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word little distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of little are diminutive, miniature, minute, small, and tiny. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When is diminutive a more appropriate choice than little?

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

diminutive bonsai plants

In what contexts can miniature take the place of little?

The synonyms miniature and little are sometimes interchangeable, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When would minute be a good substitute for little?

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

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How are the words small and little related?

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

a relatively small backyard

How do tiny and minute relate to one another, in the sense of little?

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 little

Adjective

Dalia is now aged nine and, up until 2021, had little experience of shelter life, which would have no doubt made the change a shock to the system. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 There's little to do besides replacing the tires and occasionally flushing the transmission fluid. —

Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025

Adverb

The framework of the Hamas-Israeli cease-fire deal changed little from the version negotiated by the Biden administration in May 2024. —

Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 3 Feb. 2025 Most of her film work is now little known but includes acting in prominent roles for major directors. —

Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025

Noun

There's also an app to help grownups understand their littles' latest stages and the toys that suit them. —

Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024 Forest’s manager is notorious for giving little away, but his body language spoke volumes: smiling, upbeat, eager to get going. —

Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for little

Recent Examples of Synonyms for little

Adjective

Many conspiracy theorists have complained about Black history being relegated to the calendar’s shortest month.

— Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
While the preference was shorter contracts, Miami opted for Wiggins instead of trying to create trade packages that would leave them with mostly or all expiring contracts for average players. 4).

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025