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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

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 miniature
Adjective
Years before the emoji keyboard, Morph could change himself into gigantic eyes or miniature versions of other people. Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025 In addition to a bounty of vegetables, fruits, flowers and interactive learning activities, there to meet them were cavorting goats, buzzing bees, beneficial garden creatures such as pill bugs and worms, and Howie the miniature Scottish Highland Cross steer who loves attention and animal crackers. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
These lifelike miniatures of iconic landmarks can be found on the Panorama — which, at 9,335 square feet, is the largest model of New York City, meticulously hand-built at a scale of 1:1,200. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025 The Frontierland concept is still present, complete with a pony ranch and a stagecoach, as is a haunted house and a land themed to miniatures, a concept that would ultimately become the Storybook Land Canal Boats. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
Adjective
  • The former Dixon comptroller embezzled nearly $54 million from the tiny town to fund a lavish lifestyle.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • Every detail is analyzed to maximize sound quality, Maserati says, down to the tiniest features.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • This behavior increases their chance of survival and reproduction.
    Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • Pesticides, even in small amounts, can impact bees’ immune system, navigation, memory and other functions that are critical to their survival and reproduction, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has a Chicago office and has worked to protect the environment since 1970.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The sample size is minuscule, but Washe had excellent play-driving metrics in his limited ice time.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • The ratings numbers will be … well, what’s an adjective worse than minuscule?
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Competitive advantage lies in differentiation, not imitation.
    Ayo Adepoju, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Rare Breed agreed not to develop FRTs for pistols and to enforce its patents to block potentially unsafe imitations.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Our leaders intervened to retrain the model, preserving our commitment to personalized service.
    Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Strong cited the new opt-out system being considered by the UK government, which would mean copyright holders would need to opt-out from having their material used for training AI models.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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