a few
A small number
A few means a small number, more than two but not many: A few people showed up early.
It suggests scarcity without being as stark as few alone—few friends implies almost none, while a few friends implies some.
Quite a few paradoxically means a fairly large number.
The phrase can also modify time: Give me a few minutes.
More than two, fewer than many
- someIndefinite quantity
- handfulAmount a palm holds
- coupleTwo linked together
- small numberLimited quantity
limited · scant · sparse · meager · modest · select · scarce · countable
Amount a palm holds
- bunchGrouped collection of items
- clusterGathered group nearby
- groupAssembled collection of things
- smatteringSmall scattered amount
sprinkling · scattering · collection · assortment · sampling · selection · subset · fraction
several
More than two, fewer than many
small number · limited · scant · sparse · meager · modest · select · scarce · countable · numbered
handful
Amount a palm holds
smattering · sprinkling · scattering · collection · assortment · sampling · selection · subset · fraction · portion
scarce
In short supply
inadequate · insufficient · lacking · wanting · deficient · limited · slim · thin · bare · scant