stumpy

adjective

ˈstəm-pē How to pronounce stumpy (audio)
Definition of stumpynext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. stout
  2. stubby
  3. stocky
  4. plump
  5. squatty
  6. sturdy
Adjective
  • The frame of this printer is rigid and stout to minimize error-inducing vibration during printing; HeyGears says layer positioning errors are no more than 2 microns.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • West Orange defense has been fairly stout all night, but the Warriors cannot contain the quarterback.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 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
  • While some cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight or dry, this tonic helps my complexion feel soft, plump, and refreshed—the perfect hydrated canvas for the rest of my morning skin-care routine.
    — Sara Tan, Allure, 11 Aug. 2026
  • An InStyle editor’s mom swears by the Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask for plump, firm, even skin.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 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
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Stidham with a sturdy opening act There may not have been another Broncos player who was more eager to get on the field Friday night than Stidham.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdy

Browse Nearby Words

stumps
stumpy
stun
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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