as in obesity
the condition of having an excess of body fat
the doctor warned that the patient's corpulence was unhealthy and not merely unattractive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 corpulence
And the blue velvet armchair was empty but for the permanent impression of his corpulence.
—
Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Kajumba was a laconic man, rail‑thin, with the type of largish head that suggested nature had intended him for corpulence, even as circumstance had conspired to keep him slender.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
As president, George H.W. Bush compared his dog, Ranger, to a blimp in a playful memo to White House staff noting a need to curb doggie treats because of canine corpulence.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
Whimsy was also the domain of the Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, whose signature was a race of voluptuously bloated figures — denizens, from priests to bullfighters, of an almost cartoonish world that, to him, had to do not with corpulence but with the sensuality of human life.
—William McDonald, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2023
Twelve bears started in the celebration of corpulence on September 29 before the final online showdown Tuesday.
—CNN, 5 Oct. 2021
In order to support a pair of cubs and reach peak corpulence, Grazer didn’t shy away from battles for the best spots on Brooks River, even against much larger male bears, according to the Park’s video.
—Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Sep. 2020
His striking physical resemblance to his grandfather, channeling his clothing, gait and corpulence, secured his place as the latest iteration of the country’s preordained leadership.
—Victoria Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2020
Over his career, the uber-producer has explored aging, poverty, addiction, corpulence, single parenthood, neurodivergence and other experiences that can leave a person in the margins of American life.
—Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Sep. 2019
Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Kajumba was a laconic man, rail‑thin, with the type of largish head that suggested nature had intended him for corpulence, even as circumstance had conspired to keep him slender.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
As president, George H.W. Bush compared his dog, Ranger, to a blimp in a playful memo to White House staff noting a need to curb doggie treats because of canine corpulence.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
Whimsy was also the domain of the Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, whose signature was a race of voluptuously bloated figures — denizens, from priests to bullfighters, of an almost cartoonish world that, to him, had to do not with corpulence but with the sensuality of human life.
—William McDonald, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2023
Twelve bears started in the celebration of corpulence on September 29 before the final online showdown Tuesday.
—CNN, 5 Oct. 2021
In order to support a pair of cubs and reach peak corpulence, Grazer didn’t shy away from battles for the best spots on Brooks River, even against much larger male bears, according to the Park’s video.
—Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Sep. 2020
His striking physical resemblance to his grandfather, channeling his clothing, gait and corpulence, secured his place as the latest iteration of the country’s preordained leadership.
—Victoria Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2020
Over his career, the uber-producer has explored aging, poverty, addiction, corpulence, single parenthood, neurodivergence and other experiences that can leave a person in the margins of American life.
—Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corpulence
Noun
-
Rowley also says not getting enough sleep is linked with cardiometabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, as well as cardiovascular problems.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
2 May 2026
-
The World Health Organization lists age, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use and family history as factors that contribute to breast cancer.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
While both weight and waist circumference can indicate health, waist circumference is more accurate.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Because this isn't a book about fatness, despite the central plotline.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Corpulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corpulence. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
