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
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Example Sentences
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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
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
-
Willy laments to his stout and thankless wife, Linda (Laurie Metcalf, upholding her reputation as a Broadway MVP), that buyers on the road laugh at him — that one even called him a shrimp.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
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Pennington and his wife, Babe — the daughter of his meat supplier — moved Damburger to its current spot behind the Shasta County elections office in 1962 and hired Marge Thayer, a stout woman with a bouffant bob who remembered every regular’s exact order, if not their name.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Alongside Lincoln Park, the small Parque de Mexico has what looks like a stubby Stonehenge of empty plinths.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Short stubby legs and a rounded headboard also amplify the twee appeal of the frame.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The defense also had a witness who described the shooter with the shotgun as bearded, stocky, and dark-skinned.—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
14 Apr. 2026
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The stocky, square shape is inspired by the traditional Japanese kurinuki technique, where artisans would hollow out a block of clay.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The centerpiece, adorned with plump peaches and a full moon, blends an American style of clay-throwing with carving techniques Saw learned in Jingdezhen.—
Abbey Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
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Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil buff out uneven texture and plump fine lines.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
-
Featuring the show’s slogan over a sunny pop of color, this sturdy ceramic mug holds a generous 15 ounces of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and is your Immunity Idol against a dull routine.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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