drop in the ocean

NOUN

drop in the bucket

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bit trivial amount

STRONG

pittance small amount small change small potatoes small quantity

WEAK

Band-Aid cosmetic measure disappointment lick and a promise miniscule amount not enough speck spit in the sea too little too late trifle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the scheme of things, it is a drop in the ocean.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Of course, it has turned into much more than that with various clauses but it is still a drop in the ocean compared to many modern transfers.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

That $200 might seem like a drop in the ocean, given that you will soon be inheriting $400,000, especially given the time and effort involved, but it may keep you busy and engaged.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

In 5, 10 or 15 years, the $135,000 you spent renovating the house and the extra $15,000 you spent buying it will be a drop in the ocean.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

Then the local correspondents of foreign papers reported that something which looked like opposition was manifesting itself, but it was a mere drop in the ocean.

From Letters From Rome on the Council by D?llinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von

drop in the ocean

Example Sentences

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