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
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Faulk should be more stout against the run than Robinson, but the drop in pass production is worrisome — the plunge in sacks from seven in 2024 to two last season and tackles for loss for 11 to five.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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Reinforcing a stout defensive unit, center back Aaron Long, who underwent knee surgery last July, is likely to be reintegrated into team training by the end of the month.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Alvarezsaurs were predominantly small, with stubby but powerful forelimbs, long and gracile hindlimbs and lightly built skulls.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are larger and stockier animals that weigh in at around 14 pounds and measure about 25 inches long.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
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Police determined that the suspect, described as a Black man with a stocky build, fled the scene going southbound on York Road in a white BMW.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The pancakes were fluffy on the inside and lacy at the edges, topped with a generous dollop of Meyer lemon curd and a handful of gloriously plump blueberries.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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Briany, with her plump cheeks and full head of dark hair, wasn’t normally this fussy.—
Jeff Ernsthausen,
ProPublica,
23 Mar. 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
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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Our Top Makeup Brush Sets When the brushes are thoughtfully designed—think soft, dense fibers and sturdy handles—blending tends to be easier, and your makeup looks that much more polished.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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