minus 1 of 2

noun

Definition of minusnext
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success a plan with lots of pluses and only a few minuses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

minus

2 of 2

preposition

ˈmī-nəs How to pronounce minus (audio)
as in without
not having the contraption was like a giant carousel minus the horses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 minus
Noun
Not only did Green Bay lose its final five games, LaFleur’s grade of a B-minus in an NFLPA survey was one of the lowest among NFL coaches. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Because of his three turnovers, Bidunga, a native of Democratic Republic of Congo, gave himself a grade of C-minus in his Cardinals debut. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Preposition
These nurseries start out at extremely cold temperatures of about minus 442 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 263 degrees Celsius). — Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 Mix the dressing and assemble the salad (minus the basil) a couple of hours ahead—keep them in the fridge, then add the basil and toss it all together when ready to serve. — Shelly Westerhausen Worcel, Midwest Living, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minus
  1. disadvantage
  2. without
  3. handicap
  4. negative
  5. downside
Noun
  • Consider these advantages and disadvantages before choosing an ARM.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Similarly, although benefits of smaller class sizes are real, at least for economically disadvantaged kids in early grades, uniform caps put high-poverty schools at a competitive disadvantage (because other working conditions are more difficult).
    — David Griffith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Preposition
  • Furthermore, if the electricity for the plasma comes from renewable sources, the heating process itself could operate without emissions.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Your focus can help cut through mixed signals without making the mood heavy.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of without
Noun
  • Weiss runs a country club where golf clubs become horsepower, fairways give way to a racetrack and the handicap system is measured in lap time.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Tragically, Alice’s shower trauma turns out to be a big handicap for her in her pursuit of Catherine’s trust.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of handicap
Noun
  • The other negative is that Starlink is increasing the cost for Ocean Mode, which enables Starlink access beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast and in international waters.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ball and Arnaz took a substantial pay cut in exchange for full ownership of the show’s negatives.
    — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of negative
Noun
  • There is virtually no downside to the injection apart from the transient pain of the needle, and the upside is tremendous.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The only downside to the Nerd Chef is the higher price tag which may be too much for bakers on a budget.
    — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of downside

Phrases Containing minus

Browse Nearby Words

mints
minus
minuscule
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minus. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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