Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

minimal

adjective min·i·mal \ ˈmi-nə-məl \
|Updated on: 2 Jul 2018
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 capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
—

minimally

play \-mə-lē\ adverb

See minimal defined for English-language learners

See minimal defined for kids

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

  1. The storm caused minimal damage.

  2. areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples of minimal from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of minimal

1666

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

minimal Synonyms

Synonyms

fewest, littlest, lowest, minimum, minutest, slightest, smallest, tiniest;

Antonyms

biggest, full, greatest, hugest, largest, maximum, most, top, topmost, utmost;

Near Antonyms

highest;

Related Words

fewer, lesser, low, minor, modest, slight, small, smaller;

infinitesimal, micro, subminimal, ultramicro;

irreducible;

MINIMAL Defined for English Language Learners

minimal

adjective

  • : very small or slight in size or amount

Medical Dictionary

minimal

adjective min·i·mal \ ˈmin-ə-məl \
: 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

Learn More about minimal

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for minimal Spanish Central: Translation of minimal Nglish: Translation of minimal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of minimal for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up minimal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games