Minimal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈmi-nə-məl/ min·i·mal

Meaning & Definition of Minimal

Minimal (adjective)

  1. relating to or being a minimum
  2. the least possible
  3. barely adequate

Minimal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being the least in amount, number, or size possible

    "the beached whales were returned to the sea with only minimal loss of life"

    similar: fewest, littlest, lowest, minimum, minutest, slightest, smallest, tiniest
    related: fewer, lesser, low, minor, modest, slight, small, smaller, infinitesimal, micro, subminimal, ultramicro, irreducible
    opposite: biggest, full, greatest, hugest, largest, maximum, most, top, topmost, utmost
    near: highest

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Minimal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Minimal:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Minimal

Words with the opposite meaning of Minimal:

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

Related Words for Minimal

fewer, lesser, low, minor, modest, slight, small, smaller, infinitesimal, micro, subminimal, ultramicro, irreducible

Near Antonyms of Minimal

highest

Word Forms of Minimal

Derived words: minimally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Minimal

First known use: 1666

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Minimal

Words & Phrases Containing Minimal

minimal art, minimal brain dysfunction, minimal pair, subminimal

Frequently Asked Questions about Minimal

What does "Minimal" mean?

"Minimal" means relating to or being a minimum. As an adjective, it is defined as: relating to or being a minimum.

What is another word for "Minimal"?

Other words for "Minimal" include fewest, littlest, lowest, minimum, minutest, slightest, smallest and tiniest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Minimal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Minimal"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Minimal". Common alternatives include fewest, littlest, lowest, minimum, minutest, slightest, smallest and tiniest.

What is the opposite of "Minimal"?

Antonyms of "Minimal" include biggest, full, greatest, hugest, largest, maximum, most and top. Near antonyms include highest.

How do you use "Minimal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Minimal" in a sentence: "the beached whales were returned to the sea with only minimal loss of life".

Is "Minimal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Minimal" is an adjective.

Is "Minimal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Minimal" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Minimal"?

"Minimal" is pronounced /ˈmi-nə-məl/ and divided into syllables as min·i·mal.