miniature 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of miniaturenext
as in tiny
very small in size a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

miniature

2 of 2

noun

ˈmi-nē-ə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce miniature (audio)
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
As desserts began to trickle out, from miniature gingersnap cookies and truffles to individual chocolate mousse cakes and scoops of sorbet, Axel Rüger, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, took the stage. — Eliza Jordan, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 After a miniature first-look teaser in September, New Balance has begun the official rollout for the latest sneaker in the 990 series, the 990v7. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
Rhode has continued to expand its cheek category, with a recent collaboration with Alexandra Leclerc to create Pocket Pearl, a miniature, reflective riff on the original formula. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026 Trader Joe’s is also loaded up with all things miniature this year. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for miniature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miniature
  1. tiny
  2. reproduction
  3. minuscule
  4. replica
  5. microscopic
  6. imitation
  7. model
Adjective
  • But SpaceX would just go from EPS that’s a minuscule negative to a tiny positive.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This tiny wearable device could record thousands of individual neurons simultaneously as animals swim, play, explore, and interact naturally.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of tiny
Noun
  • This body of research forms some of the latticework of a social-reproduction theory of education, in which public schools are largely perceived as reflecting and reinforcing the socioeconomic structures of their surrounding community.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Bell replied in his usual jovial manner, agreeing to the reproduction of his photo in the forthcoming article.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • But SpaceX would just go from EPS that’s a minuscule negative to a tiny positive.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The first part is a minuscule black hole, roughly three times the mass of the sun and only about 10 miles across.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of minuscule
Noun
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That team, fittingly enough, will be honored during the Hurricanes’ game on Saturday against Pittsburgh, with the current team wearing replica jerseys to recognize the group.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • Even boats without visible mussels can transport the invasive species because microscopic larvae can survive in water left inside vessels and equipment.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As the crust bakes, the water in the butter turns to steam, creating microscopic flaky layers—and a light, tender crust.
    — Melissa Weller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of microscopic
Noun
  • Instead, the rest of the world must learn from China without mistaking adaptation for imitation.
    — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The team that opened the season as the overwhelming favorite to win Super Bowl LXI continued to look like a cheap imitation.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of imitation
Noun
  • Next, the researchers developed a simplified model that reproduced the observed rotation and current increase.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The vicious cycle of the current model, of course, is that to become marketable a team needs to get and retain good players, and to do that a school has to spend money, which cycles the whole thing back to the start.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of model

Browse Nearby Words

mini
miniature
miniatures
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Cite this Entry

“Miniature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miniature. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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