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miniature

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noun

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

Examples 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
An exhibition of precious miniature objects from the 18th century at the Cognacq-Jay Museum in Paris was robbed on Wednesday, according to Le Monde. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024 With just the press of a button, guests can activate lights and motions, to become immersed in a miniature world of merriment and magic. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
The movie's use of costumes, miniatures, and practical effects is also nothing short of breathtaking. EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 The scent infuses every product in this set, and the miniature Not a Perfume is a nice introduction to it. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for miniature 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • The tiny fiber is detailed in a study published November 21 in the journal Nanoscale Advances.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Victims are more than just statistics A map on Holt’s website marks hundreds of accident sites, but the tiny dots are more than statistical points.
    Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The Best-of-Show winner at Santa Fe was a reproduction of a weapon set carefully crafted with natural materials like knapped flint, turkey feathers, yucca cord and juniper branches commemorating the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by Acoma Pueblo artist Dan Vallo.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The replica is smaller — 64 seats compared to the original’s nearly 400 — and features reproductions of the columns, window treatments, wallpaper, carpet and chandeliers from the original Tea Room.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Learning From Biological Systems Feynman drew inspiration from biological systems, noting their ability to store and process information on a minuscule scale while remaining highly dynamic and efficient.
    Gerui Wang, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
  • At the time this article was written, the Republican was a minuscule 0.1 points ahead, implying a dead heat in the Keystone State─one of the vital battleground states that will likely play a pivotal role in deciding who will replace President Joe Biden.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • History buffs will delight in Punta Arenas’s maritime museum and life-size replicas of the storied European galleons that once navigated to these remote shores.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024
  • See miniature replicas of Cincinnati icons, including this year's newest addition: The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.
    Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • She's loved seeing so many positive responses to her sister's masterful imitation.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Fold in the remaining green parts of green onions, the imitation crab meat, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
    Shelli McConnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Tons of popular models are currently on sale, including brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Amazon.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
  • The latest machine, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, is a more compact machine that resembles the Vertuo Next and right now there’s a cool matte black model on sale.
    Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 29 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near miniature

Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on miniature

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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