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

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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

The result is a bulbous body atop four skinny legs, scraggly fur and a stout head with little to no neck.

— Drew Pittock, USA Today, 21 July 2026
De la Fuente wisely shifted to a more tiki-taka-esque focus with a stout defense moving forward and hoped that his wingers would get healthy as the tournament progressed.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of stout

Adjective

Gravity-1, a distinctively squat and stubby rocket, launched Tuesday night (July 21) from the deck of a ship stationed off the coast of Shanghai.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 July 2026
Turned into an elegant hors d’oeuvre with a wedge of Brie and a stubby cornichon.

— Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 July 2026

Definition of stubby

Adjective

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
The stocky species, up to 11 inches long, sometimes out-competes or eats other lizards, including brown anoles.

— Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Definition of stocky

Adjective

This filter-like foundation also has a blurring effect that’s hydrating and brightening, leaving my skin looking fresh and plump—which is thanks to the niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides infused into it.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 14 July 2026
When the sweet corn is still plump and juicy, mix it with grits for a summery spin on shrimp and grits (grits are corn, after all).

— Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 July 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

Made from rust-resistant, double-layered aluminum, the table feels light enough to move around, but also sturdy enough not to blow over in a storm.

— Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Odysseus also prided himself on being the only person able to string his sturdy bow.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stumpy

adjective

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