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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
All have a sleek minimal feel, with jute rugs and linen cushions adding just a touch of colour to the all-neutral palette. — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026 Still, the losses were relatively minimal, with 84% saying the financial impact of the theft was low. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The light shades and overall delicate look paired well with Cruz’s minimal makeup. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026 This best-selling two-pack is ideal for creating a sleek style with minimal effort because it’s engineered with non-slip wavy teeth that’ll stay in place all day. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 10 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All