minus 1 of 2

noun

Definition of minusnext
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success a plan with lots of pluses and only a few minuses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

minus

2 of 2

preposition

ˈmī-nəs How to pronounce minus (audio)
as in without
not having the contraption was like a giant carousel minus the horses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 minus
Noun
Director Josef Kubota Wladyka illustrates the pluses and minuses of Haru’s potent imagination, resulting in a film that’s sexy, bittersweet and absurdist. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 While many Rockets fans clamored for more minutes with Eason or Sheppard, Houston’s best lineups from a plus-minus perspective often featured Okogie. — Law Murray, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Preposition
Model and actor Hari Nef bought six pieces from the collection, including a full look (minus the gloves, which were sold out). — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 The caterpillars typically hibernate under leaves, rocks or plant debris and survive temperatures at minus 90 degrees, according to the NWS. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minus
  1. disadvantage
  2. without
  3. handicap
  4. negative
  5. downside
Noun
  • Jensen has the vocal equivalent of a familiar face, which for another performer could become a disadvantage.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • To help make up ground from the disadvantage of a statewide race without an R next to his name, Achilles has hit the road.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Preposition
  • Meanwhile, companies like 1Password are adding new systems for approving agent log ins without exposing user passwords.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • West Point implemented a rule in early 2025 that sought to bar civilian and military professors from publishing papers, speaking at conferences or appearing on podcasts without seeking approval from superiors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of without
Noun
  • Over 2 summers, my legit handicap is 13 with some rounds near +18 and others at +8.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The driver, Manning said, had been working particularly well, so well that the 10-handicap golfer had just broke 80 for the first time.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of handicap
Noun
  • But SpaceX would just go from EPS that’s a minuscule negative to a tiny positive.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Heat’s new starting lineup of Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo finished the opener as a negative.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of negative
Noun
  • Vucic’s ousting shows the downside of that approach, as the whole relationship will have to be rebuilt from the ground up.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe not, but the upside would never trump the downside because the jig was up.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of downside

Phrases Containing minus

Browse Nearby Words

mints
minus
minuscule
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minus. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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