small beer

noun

Definition of small beernext
as in nothing
something of little importance the money we spend on cable is small beer compared to the mortgage payment we have to come up with every month

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 small beer Pintxos bars offer a more informal experience, with small plates, small beers and a steady flow of conversation. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 South of the Border Founded in 1949 by Alan Schafer as a small beer stand just south of the North Carolina–South Carolina line (hence the name), South of the Border grew into one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the South. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 In addition to approving the city permits, the commissioners also recommended that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board grant the project’s request for a (Type 23) state alcohol license allowing a small beer manufacturing operation and a (Type 74) license for a craft distillery. — Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small beer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small beer
  1. nothing
  2. small change
  3. triviality
Noun
  • Women continue marching down the runway in their stilettos and frothy little nothings.
    — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
  • While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of nothing
Noun
  • The University of Ottawa team revealed that small changes to the materials and structure of the electronic devices dramatically improve their efficiency and sustainability.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • These small changes may help shoppers avoid more expensive alterations.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of small change
Noun
  • After that, conquering parts of the universe would be a triviality.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s shrewdness came in their refusal to engage with off-the-ball trivialities.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of triviality

Browse Nearby Words

small arms
small beer
small change
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Cite this Entry

“Small beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20beer. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on small beer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about small beer

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