smallest

adjective

as in slightest
being the least in amount, number, or size possible severely reprimanded employees even for the smallest mistakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smallest While that’s painful for house hunters, note that the surge was the 18th-smallest among states and trailed the 93% jump nationally. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smallest
  1. minimum
  2. small
Adjective
  • Most states, though, have enacted additional requirements for higher powered machines, including minimum age and helmet requirements.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Spain, Greece and Denmark are also planning to impose minimum age limits for social media.
    — Pierre P Bairin, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimum
Adjective
  • These vines will also happily wind their way around tree trunks and shrubs and fix themselves in place with small rootlets that take on a hairy appearance as poison ivy plants mature.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Tidy a corner and play a favorite song, letting a small routine remind everyone that care comes through simple, repeatable acts.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of small

Browse Nearby Words

smaller
smallest
small-fry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smallest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smallest. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smallest

Nglish: Translation of smallest for Spanish Speakers

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