STUMPY Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

stumpy

adjective

ˈstəm-pē

Definition of stumpy

as in stout

being compact and broad in build and often short in stature stumpy penguins become agile swimmers the moment they hit the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stumpy At one point, someone on InSight’s science team wondered if the lander’s somewhat stumpy arm could prod the solar panels, or perhaps scrape off some dust. — Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022 These were kings, calmer and more aloof than the royals, going through their annual molt, their stumpy bodies a mess of patchy old plumage being pushed up and out by new growth. — Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2021 Clearly, this was not some unmarked but common alternative route; it was studded with stumpy pine trees, and the terrain made for hard going. — Rachel Monroe, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2018 Previously, scientists had thought that tardigrades evolved their stumpy bodies by fusing body segments together. — Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2016 See All Example Sentences for stumpy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumpy

Adjective

Trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, the Carroll Dragons (1-1) were doomed by the Panthers’ stout defense that claimed five takeaways.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
On offense, that means pounding the rock with a stout run game and letting that set up the passing attack.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of stout

Adjective

Big ears, stubby legs and an extra-strong butt — Zoo Miami celebrated the newest addition to its animal family Friday.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
These mushrooms are instantly recognizable for their fat, puffy shape and stubby stems that are often as wide as—if not wider than—the caps.

— Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubby

Adjective

Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets have a shorter, stockier body with a less pronounced narrow waist.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
His 6-foot, 205-pound stocky frame could give him a physicality edge, and his receiving ability could add an intrigue.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Definition of stocky

Adjective

Specs AccordionItemContainerButton Minimalist and cozy are two words that come to mind when describing the Zixuan daybed, which has a clean silhouette but doesn’t feel sterile thanks to its plump pillows.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Purchasing Fresh Corn In The Husk To pick out your fresh corn still in the husk, start by giving the ear of corn a gentle squeeze to feel for plump kernels and avoid husks with brown holes, a sign of worms.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of plump

Adjective

Sit with your feet wide apart and elevate them on blocks, stools, or a squatty potty to lift your knees above your hips.

— Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Early on, many Falcons players and coaches misinterpreted his squatty 6-foot-3-ish, 305-pound frame and notably rounded midsection as a lack of athleticism.

— Josh Kendall, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025

Definition of squatty

Adjective

Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Browse Nearby Words

stumps

stumpy

stun

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“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumpy

adjective

Example Sentences

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