chunky

adjective

ˈchəŋ-kē How to pronounce chunky (audio)
Definition of chunkynext
1
as in thick
having small pieces or lumps spread throughout chunky peanut butter adds an interesting layer of texture when paired with jelly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature a chunky little toddler

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fat
having or being of relatively great depth or extent from one surface to its opposite a chunky piece of bread

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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 chunky With boho chic making its grand return to the runways, the art of pairing a flowy floral dress and a chunky shoe is back in full force. — Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026 Because of its chunkier texture, our editors thought this might be a good choice for topping a biscuit rather than trying to spread it on a piece of toast. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026 Pair them with a chunky sweater and sneakers, or a classic button-down shirt and heeled booties this season. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026 This chunky blanket brings maximum coziness without too much difficulty (or any knitting needles). — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chunky
  1. thick
  2. stout
  3. fat
  4. lumpy
  5. sturdy
  6. nubby
  7. plump
  8. clumpy
Adjective
  • The public promenade that wraps around the bay in front of the hotel invites walkers, runners, and bikers to explore the historic pathway that leads to the thick, lush pine forest at the edge of the sea.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Bake chicken until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–30 minutes.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of thick
Adjective
  • Atlanta is playing without Za'Darius Smith, the team leader with 2 1/2 sacks who suffered a concussion/neck injury in Week 4, but its pass rush remains stout.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Patterson, a Hall of Fame coach known for stout defenses, was supposed to help Riley address the Trojans’ biggest weakness, but the turnaround hasn’t been swift or smooth.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of stout
Adjective
  • When carb intake falls sharply, the liver turns fat into ketones, an alternative fuel for the brain and other tissues that may cause less metabolic stress.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • While typically flushed out within a day, a small amount can build up in fat tissue with daily exposure.
    — Tracy Middleton, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of fat
Adjective
  • There’s no way a V6 can produce the deep, lumpy, mechanical thunder of a V8.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The pumpkin champ this year will win $9 per pound of pumpkin and have their lumpy gourd showcased during a parade through Half Moon Bay this weekend.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of lumpy
Adjective
  • The shoes balanced on a slender yet sturdy stiletto heel measuring around three inches.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The result has been sturdy economic growth, even as lower-income and even middle-income households have continued to struggle under stubborn inflation and declining earnings.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • This sofa, upholstered in a nubby textile, similar to boucle or chenille fabric, is a structured alternative to the boneless couches running amok on Amazon—but it’s designed to be just as comfortable.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Rigatoni is our shape of choice for this recipe—its wide opening captures the nubby bits of sausage while its ridges hold onto the light, almost-creamy sauce.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of nubby
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, nano-hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid draw in and hold onto moisture, leaving skin feeling plump and supple without weighing it down.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The brothel is huge and painted black, like a plump beetle luxuriating in the sun, and the opulence of its internal decoration is matched by Kate herself.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of plump
Adjective
  • The even mixing of the isotopes suggests that it was formed from fine dust grains rather than clumpy, coarser material.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The clam chowder is perfectly balanced and not at all clumpy or overly thickened, and the lobster roll is one of the best in all of Boston.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of clumpy

Browse Nearby Words

chunks
chunky
chunter
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Cite this Entry

“Chunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chunky. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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