minimum

The smallest number, amount, or size that is possible, allowed, or needed.

• The minimum is ten dollars.
• Keep food waste to a minimum.
• We need a minimum of three people.

How to use it: a minimum of something (You need a minimum of two tickets.); keep something to a minimum (Please keep noise to a minimum.)

Similar words: least, lowest amount

Opposites: maximum

Common phrases: a minimum of, keep to a minimum, absolute minimum, legal minimum