Synonyms for

Smaller

Verb / ˈsmɔ:lɜ: / Another word for smaller — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Comparative form of the adjective 'small', meaning less large or less in size or amount.

Synonyms & similar words

large little belittled pocketsize smallscale small humble diminished minuscule big pocketsized littler low modest lowly minor lesser tinier lesser-sized diminutive little petite undersized pint-sized miniature wee minuscule dinky fun-size compact microscopic teeny tiny micro nano subatomic

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminutive lesser minor reduced

Informal

teeny itty-bitty wee pocket-sized

Literary

minuscule slight petite

Antonyms

larger bigger greater major principal main considerable

Common collocations

  • smaller than
  • much smaller
  • smaller scale
  • smaller portion
  • smaller number
  • smaller size
  • smaller amount
  • smaller part

Word family

noun smallness
adjective small
adverb small

Usage note

Smaller is the comparative form of 'small'. It is used to compare the size, quantity, or importance of one thing to another.

Example sentences

  1. My sister's shirt is smaller than mine.
  2. The small rock was too big to fit in the smaller jar.
  3. I asked for a smaller portion because I wasn't very hungry.
  4. The toy car was smaller than the real car.
  5. The smaller dog was more energetic than the bigger dog.

Quotes

  • The smaller the creature, the bolder its spirit. - Sue Hubbell
  • The smaller the mind the greater the conceit. - Aesop
  • I have always found that the smaller the audience, the bigger the laughs. - Princess Diana

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