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
-
But still, 495 pound-feet of torque, that’s stout.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
17 June 2026
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Use a stout wooden stake and place it in the soil near the center of the pot after filling it with soil.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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This one has stubby legs to make your ceilings appear even taller, along with plenty of space to keep your records pristine and hide the tangle of cords when company’s over.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
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But sadder yet is when a deer or rabbit decides to devour a young plant, leaving behind one stubby, leafless stick in the ground.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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Maisie is about 40 pounds, with a stocky build and a French bulldog face.—
Logan Hall,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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Their stocky bodies sit low to the ground, and their limbs are muscular.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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The abalone is plump and toothsome, yet still tender and accompanied by asparagus kissed by the fire.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
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Post use, skin looks and feels more plump and less inflamed, with redness virtually gone and fine lines softened.—
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
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
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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
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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,
19 June 2026
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Serving tray for entertaining $25 to $50 This straightforward serving tray is a reliable standard that’s sturdy and comes in seven colors.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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