minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
Synonyms of minimal
1
: relating to or being a minimum: such as
a
: the least possible
a victory won with minimal loss of life
b
: barely adequate
a minimal standard of living
c
: very small or slight
a minimal interest in art
2
often Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally
ˈmi-nə-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of minimal

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Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Inside, furnishings are minimal, with timber and cool-toned stone alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscaped gardens. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 To combat inertia, the team installs the Alluminox platform in hospitals free of charge, and charge them only a minimal fee per use. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 Go minimal with neutral colors and chrome, or classically spooky with orange and black. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026 October decorations and costumes that once cost only a minimal investment have skyrocketed in-season. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimal

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Phrases Containing minimal

Browse Nearby Words

minim
minimal
minimal art
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Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally
-mə-lē How to pronounce minimal (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions
tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatment—J. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal care—A. S. Oser
side effects are minimal
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