What Is Another Way to Say “Small-Minded”?

Looking for synonyms for small-minded? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say small-minded.

  • Narrow-minded
  • Petty
  • Parochial
  • Short-sighted
  • Bigoted
  • Intolerant
  • Myopic
  • Provincial
  • Insular
  • Sectarian
  • Dogmatic
  • Inflexible
  • Limited
  • Prejudiced
  • Biased

Want to learn how to say small-minded professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Narrow-minded

When to use: Suitable for describing someone who is not willing to listen to or tolerate other people’s views.
Example: “His narrow-minded approach to management stifles innovation and creativity.”

2. Petty

When to use: Used for someone who gives too much importance to small and unimportant matters, often in a workplace context.
Example: “Focusing on petty issues in meetings diverts attention from more significant strategic discussions.”

3. Parochial

When to use: Appropriate for describing a limited or narrow outlook, especially focused on a local area.
Example: “The manager’s parochial view hinders the company’s potential to expand globally.”

4. Short-sighted

When to use: Ideal for situations where decisions are made without considering the longer-term implications.
Example: “Cutting the research budget is a short-sighted move that could harm future product development.”

5. Bigoted

When to use: Suitable for describing someone who is intolerant towards people with different opinions or lifestyles.
Example: “Bigoted attitudes in the workplace can lead to a toxic and unproductive environment.”

6. Intolerant

When to use: Used when a person is not willing to accept views, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from their own.
Example: “Intolerant behavior towards colleagues’ diverse backgrounds is unacceptable in our organization.”

7. Myopic

When to use: Appropriate for describing a lack of foresight or discernment, a narrow view of something.
Example: “The company’s myopic focus on short-term gains jeopardizes its long-term sustainability.”

8. Provincial

When to use: Ideal for a situation where someone’s outlook is limited to the narrow boundaries of their own community or industry.
Example: “Her provincial understanding of market trends often misses the bigger global picture.”

9. Insular

When to use: Suitable for describing someone who is isolated from different ideas or cultures.
Example: “An insular mindset in the leadership team can prevent the company from adapting to changing global markets.”

10. Sectarian

When to use: Used to describe a person or situation involving rigid allegiance to a particular group or faction.
Example: “Sectarian attitudes in the boardroom can lead to biased decisions that don’t benefit the entire company.”

11. Dogmatic

When to use: Appropriate for someone who expresses strong opinions as if they were facts.
Example: “His dogmatic stance on traditional marketing methods ignores the benefits of digital innovation.”

12. Inflexible

When to use: Ideal for situations where there is an unwillingness to change or adapt to new ideas.
Example: “The manager’s inflexible approach to scheduling reduces employee morale and productivity.”

13. Limited

When to use: Suitable for describing a viewpoint that is restricted in scope or understanding.
Example: “A limited perspective on customer feedback can lead to missed opportunities for improvement.”

14. Prejudiced

When to use: Used to describe preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or actual experience.
Example: “Prejudiced opinions in hiring processes can lead to a lack of diversity in the workplace.”

15. Biased

When to use: Appropriate for an inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.
Example: “A biased view in project evaluations can undermine the fairness of performance assessments.”

Linda Brown