Synonyms for

Trivial

Verb / ˈtrɪvi:ʌl / Another word for trivial — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

something that is unimportant or insignificant

Synonyms & similar words

footling superficial picayune lilliputian piddling piffling little niggling petty fiddling insignificant unimportant minor petty trifling inconsequential inconsiderable negligible paltry frivolous superficial shallow meaningless pointless worthless unremarkable commonplace ordinary banal vapid

Synonyms by register

Formal

unimportant insignificant minor negligible

Informal

small potatoes no big deal nitty-gritty small stuff

Literary

trifling paltry frivolous

Antonyms

important significant crucial essential vital major serious

Common collocations

  • trivial matter
  • trivial pursuit
  • trivial detail
  • trivial point
  • trivial amount
  • trivial change
  • trivial task

Word family

noun triviality
adjective trivial
adverb trivially

Usage note

Often used to describe something that is not important or serious. Be careful not to confuse with 'trifle', which can be a noun (a dessert) or a verb (to treat lightly).

Example sentences

  1. The color of your shirt is trivial; what's important is that you're comfortable.
  2. Don't worry about trivial matters; focus on what's really important.
  3. The mistake was trivial and didn't affect the overall outcome.
  4. She's always concerned with trivial details and doesn't see the big picture.
  5. The teacher didn't want to waste time on trivial questions.

Quotes

  • The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle
  • The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke

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