small-minded

adjective

small-mind·​ed ˈsmȯl-ˈmīn-dəd 

1

: having narrow interests, sympathies, or outlook

2

: typical of a small-minded person : marked by pettiness, narrowness, or meanness

small-minded conduct

small-mindedly adverb

small-mindedness noun

Synonyms of small-minded

• narrow
• parochial
• provincial
• bigoted
• narrow-minded
• intolerant
• prejudiced

Examples of small-minded in a Sentence

a small-minded man only concerned with his own well-being

resented the small-minded people who automatically opposed every new idea

Recent Examples on the Web

The frustration that seethes through the show is often born of the disappointment that a form as quicksilver and astounding as songwriting can be yoked to small-minded and propagandistic ends. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

But newspaper people ought to stand in solidarity with our broadcast brethren/competitors in this incredibly small-minded and grudging clash between the White House and the Washington press corps. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

But arguably the script by Jones and director Brunner might have been a skoosh more impactful if the small-minded townsfolk, clearly coded as bigoted MAGA types, weren’t quite so hateful with only a few exceptions. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

It was delivered with sneers, an ugly, small-minded few minutes in support of the sclerotic, disdainful of dynamic change. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for small-minded

• reminded
• blinded
• minded
• feebleminded
• masterminded

Kids Definition

small-minded

adjective

small-mind·​ed

ˈsmȯl-ˈmīn-dəd

1

: having narrow interests, sympathies, or outlook

2

: typical of a small-minded person : petty

small-mindedness noun