fewest
Minimum in number
Fewest is the superlative of few, indicating the smallest number among three or more groups: Which candidate received the fewest votes?
It applies only to countable things—use least for quantities that can't be counted individually.
The store with the fewest customers had the shortest wait.
Smallest in degree
- smallestLeast in dimension
- minimalSmallest amount needed
- minimumSmallest possible quantity
- lowestLeast in position
slightest · scant · meager · bare · paltry · negligible · trifling · nominal
Smallest amount needed
- efficientProductive without waste
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
- leanLacking fat; incline
essential · basic · fundamental · necessary · sufficient · optimal · simplified · reduced
Seldom found or seen
- uncommonSeldom occurring or found
- scarceIn short supply
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
- seldomOn few occasions
sporadic · intermittent · isolated · occasional · exceptional · unusual · atypical · singular
least
Smallest in degree
lowest · slightest · scant · meager · bare · paltry · negligible · trifling · nominal · token
minimal
Smallest amount needed
- efficientProductive without waste
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
lean · essential · basic · fundamental · necessary · sufficient · optimal · simplified · reduced · condensed
rare
Seldom found or seen
- uncommonSeldom occurring or found
- scarceIn short supply
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
seldom · sporadic · intermittent · isolated · occasional · exceptional · unusual · atypical · singular · unique