small-fry

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˌfrī How to pronounce small-fry (audio)
Definition of small-frynext
as in small
lacking importance some small-fry official in the state government with a big-time ego

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of small-fry Ridley Scott directs Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura in the first episode of a tale in which two small-fry thieves rob a drug den and become the target of a relentless kingpin. — Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 Cassatt achieved hers by changing mediums; by experimenting with colors; and by being perversely drawn to small-fry subject matter, then mining it from all angles. — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 27 June 2024 For small-fry investors and big money managers alike, the psychological toll of falling behind creates pressure, particularly for those sticking with the playbook. — Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 10 June 2024 Brad Heppner had the grand idea of bringing investment opportunities enjoyed by Wall Street institutions to small-fry investors. — Alexander Gladstone, WSJ, 28 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small-fry
  1. small
  2. minor
  3. little
Adjective
  • That’s a dangerous prospect for any country, but especially for Singapore, crammed into a space smaller than New York City.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But after home brewers were able to show the appeal of hoppy IPAs, malty stouts and citrusy wheat ales, that eventually led to a boom in small breweries.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of small
Adjective
  • Steppach, 49, was the owner of Tim’s Tavern on Edison Avenue, where people protested daily in December after Steppach pleaded no contest to three misdemeanor counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The anger fueled the rise of Sanseito, a minor right-wing party that rallied against immigrants in recent elections, putting pressure on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party government.
    — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, Hailey Bieber gave us a lesson in polished wedding guest glam, while Joey King played with the little details on the Practical Magic 2 promo tour.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Bohm cited a 2020 crash that killed 20-year-old driver Ezekial Bishop and his passenger, 18-year-old Ryan Breaux, recording artist Frank Ocean's little brother.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of little

Browse Nearby Words

smallest
small-fry
smallholding
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small-fry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small-fry. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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