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 Bears started off well against Seattle's stout defense by putting together a 17-play drive on the opening possession to take the lead when Williams threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There are plenty of stout diesel engines designed for construction equipment or marine applications that will fit under the hood of a pickup truck or SUV and, as this build demonstrates, improve performance.
    — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of stout
Adjective
  • Would the company be taking a different approach to the immense technical challenges of getting Starship to the Moon, perhaps with a stubby Starship variant?
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of stubby
Adjective
  • Groundhogs have stocky frames and brown coloring and are famous for digging holes and leaving piles of dirt in the process, says Jackel.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The fries are of the thick, stocky variety and require immediate consumption.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of stocky
Adjective
  • Five trips later, this serum has left me with a plump, hydrated complexion that looks great even without makeup.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And, by the looks of premiere photos, her complexion was juicy, plump, and flawless.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 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 of sturdy beech wood, rounded edges and a light hue soften the beverage cart’s overall look.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Guardian’s April 2025 reporting describes the classic design as a roomy jacket made from sturdy cotton twill or moleskin, typically featuring three patch pockets and a simple collar.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of sturdy

Browse Nearby Words

stumps
stumpy
stun
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Cite this Entry

“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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