Synonym for Small — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

The word “small” describes something that is small in size or number. There are many other words you can use to represent something very small. Each word below can be used as a synonym for small. Check them out!

Definition of “Small”

According to the English dictionary, small is an adjective that refers to objects and organisms of diminished magnitude or size. It can also be used as a negative modifier to describe something trivial. 

Sentence Examples:

• There’s a small problem with the operation.
• There was a small crack in his armor.
• A mouse is a small rodent.

Synonyms for Small – Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

The word “small” describes the size of a thing. Any word that describes something small or little can serve as a synonym for small. Some synonyms related to “small” are:

Little

Refers to the state of being small in physical size or amount. It can also mean to be little in importance, amount, or number of units.

For example:

• I can spare a little money for you.
• The King thought little of the jester.

Tiny

This adjective refers to something very small in size and amount.

• There was a tiny drop of wine in the cup.
• There were small cars; then there were tiny cars.

Diminutive

This adjective refers to an extremely small shape, form, or object. Its noun form refers to something already diminished.

• There was a diminutive man at the doorway. I almost stepped on him!
• Billy is a diminutive of the name “William.”

Miniature

This adjective describes something that is a smaller version of something bigger. 

For examples:

• The miniature bedroom looked like the real thing.
• Bob gifted John with a miniature Lamborghini Aventador.

Fine

This adjective describes something so minute, delicate, and thin that it is difficult or nearly impossible to distinguish its dimensions. It is used to describe mass nouns (objects that cannot be counted).

For example:

• The grains of sand were so fine they slipped between the cloth.
• There’s a fine difference between success and happiness. 

Lilliputian

The word Lilliputian comes from the word “Lilliput.” It is a very small island in the book “Gulliver’s Travels.” It refers to something that comes from Lilliput (i.e., something that comes from Lilliput must be small.)

For example:

• My toy army looked Lilliputian compared to John’s.

Antonyms for Small – Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Any word that describes something huge in size and number can serve as an antonym for small. Some of the most commonly used examples are:

Big

This adjective describes something large in size or quantity. It can also describe something important or intimidating.

For example:

• The big man blocked my passage.
• “Houston, we have a big problem,” He said.

Large

The word “large” describes something that is physically big. It is almost exclusively used in a physical context.

For example:

• The battle cruiser was large. It was almost as big as the planet’s moon.
• The large bear lunged forward menacingly. 

Great

This is an adjective that describes the state of being above average. It can refer to an amount or extent. It also refers to the importance of something or someone.

For example:

• The Sun is just a great ball of burning gas.
• The pilot exposed the passengers to great risk.

Takeaway

Remember to consult your thesaurus once in a while if you need help finding synonyms for other words. The English language is a gold mine of expressions and words you can use to express yourself. Set aside time for reading. This will expand your vocabulary and improve your writing style!