small
22 synonyms and 1 antonyms for small, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Limited in size, amount, or importance; not large.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to Use Small
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "smæl," meaning narrow or slender, tracing back to a very old Proto-Indo-European root simply meaning "little."
Full origin of small →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “small” mean?
The word “small” means limited in size, amount, or importance; not large. In plain terms, not big — limited in size, scale, or significance.
How do you pronounce “small”?
“Small” is pronounced smawl (/smɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “small” in a sentence?
Here is “small” used in a sentence: “They live in a small apartment near the city center.”
What is another word for “small”?
Words with a similar meaning to “small” include compact, fun size, fun-sized, ickle, insignificant and lit'l.
What is the opposite of “small”?
The opposite of “small” — its antonyms — is large.
What part of speech is “small”?
Depending on how it is used, “small” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “small” come from?
The word “small” comes from Old English. From Old English "smæl," meaning narrow or slender, tracing back to a very old Proto-Indo-European root simply meaning "little.".
Is “small” a common word?
“Small” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the opposite of small?
The most common opposites of 'small' are 'big' and 'large'. Depending on the context, you might also use 'huge', 'enormous', or 'vast' for something especially large. When 'small' refers to importance rather than size, its opposite could be 'major', 'significant', or 'great' instead.
What is the difference between small and little?
'Small' and 'little' often mean the same thing, but they carry different tones. 'Small' is neutral and factual, simply describing limited size. 'Little' frequently adds feeling — affection, charm, or sometimes dismissiveness, as in 'a little cottage' or 'a little problem'. 'Small' tends to sound more measured and objective.
What is the difference between small and tiny?
Both describe limited size, but 'tiny' is far more extreme. Something small is simply below average size, while something tiny is remarkably or unusually little — an ant is tiny, whereas a compact car is merely small. 'Tiny' emphasises just how little something is.
What is an example of 'small' used in a sentence?
You might say, 'They live in a small flat,' describing size, or 'It was only a small mistake,' describing importance. 'Small' works for physical dimensions, quantities, and significance alike, which is why it is one of the most widely used adjectives in English.