1
as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
dumpy little toddlers growing into lanky children
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
we could only find rooms at a dumpy motel on the outskirts of the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumpy
In fact, it was released during the slightly less dumpy dump month of February — on February 13, 1991, with nationwide sneak previews on February 2, 1991.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2024
In the premiere, Martha is made to look as dumpy and pathetic—and then as unhinged—as possible.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The amazing thing is that, for all the history that came through its doors, KCR was a dumpy little studio with a broadcast board on the way out.
—Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2024
In the premiere, Martha is made to look as dumpy and pathetic—and then as unhinged—as possible.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The amazing thing is that, for all the history that came through its doors, KCR was a dumpy little studio with a broadcast board on the way out.
—Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumpy
Adjective
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Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA A prospect who easily could have been drafted in the fourth round, Toia is a stout, wide-bodied run defender who can stack and shed the point with ease.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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And, just as with the first twister, a small nub started dropping and circulating from the wall cloud, but was shaped more like a stout stovepipe.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The South Lodge, at the base of the Quail chair, burned down in 2016 and in its place sits a row of dilapidated structures and storage sheds.—
Megan Michelson,
Outside Online,
4 Apr. 2025
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When no firm alternatives emerged, and with the site growing mildewed and dilapidated, the original construction resumed.—
By Charlie Campbell/Gelephu, Bhutan,
TIME,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Isotonic Hydra Gel Eye Masks by Espa: These eye masks instantly hydrate, plump, and brighten the under-eye and contour area, softening dehydration lines and signs of tiredness.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The classic brown color delivers a soft, satin finish, while maracuja oil and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate, plump, and condition your lips.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the area where these cuts will be felt most acutely is with respect to elder abuse, which is already a neglected area of health care and social services.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With the costume’s feet at knee-level, an elevated stage (and smoke machine) helped give the appearance that Klum was walking around on E.T.’s characteristically stumpy legs.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN,
1 Nov. 2024
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The heron turns out to be a stumpy man in a costume.—
Moeko Fujii,
The New Yorker,
2 May 2024
Adjective
-
Anderson is stocky with an enthusiastic teaching style and a passion for jiu jitsu.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
5 May 2025
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The sizable insects have stocky bodies and short antennae.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Best Minimalist Pick: Kuru Flex Via Kuru may specialize in sturdy, supportive shoes—but that doesn’t mean all of its pairs feel clunky.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
1 May 2025
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It’s also loaded with features like USB passthrough and a sturdy wrist rest.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Graham has a stubby build and some prospects are more athletic.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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Elephants, for instance, became tapirs, with stubby trunks and legs.—
Caroline Winterer / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumpy. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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