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
At the start of the production, when Blanche arrives at her sister’s dumpy apartment, a lithe young man (Jabez Sykes) contorts himself in abstract choreography.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
In context, Franklin was critiquing a rather dumpy drawing of an eagle lacking a regal beak by the Society of the Cincinnati, which had adopted the nation’s bird as its symbol.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
In context, Franklin was critiquing a rather dumpy drawing of an eagle lacking a regal beak by the Society of the Cincinnati, which had adopted the nation’s bird as its symbol.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumpy
Adjective
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Denver made several flashier additions this offseason, like ILB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga and offensive skill players TE Evan Engram and RB J.K. Dobbins, but Jones’ locker room presence and stout play against the run are integral — if unheralded — ingredients to Vance Joseph’s defense.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
14 July 2025
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Palmeiras have been stout in their own right, shutting out Porto, Al Ahly and Botafogo in this competition.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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From iconic buildings being saved to companies opening new interactive experiences for guests, the repurposing of old warehouses and dilapidated properties has allowed for growth in Louisville's urban areas.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
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Now, as soon as next year, the historic campus will transform into housing with 213 apartments as the city's Department of Metropolitan Development and private developers redevelop dilapidated buildings downtown into residential and commercial spaces.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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During early October’s harvest, when golden Chasselas grapes are at their plump and juicy peak, explore medieval villages and 10th-century stone walls on foot, like on a 6.8-mile hike from St. Saphorin to Lutry, and visit cellars aboard the Lavaux Express train.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
18 July 2025
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Ripe cherries should be large and plump, while undersized cherries likely need more time to mature.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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But its location in the neglected and overgrown space remains a mystery.—
Laura L. Davis,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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What’s a neglected part of your ME—your health, learning, or joy?—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
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Prior to the arrival of police at the site of the deadly stabbing, a stocky bald man and a thin woman wearing her hair in a ponytail — both described as possibly homeless — were seen leaving the area in separate directions.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The priest was an Assyrian monk, a stocky, bushy-bearded man with long black hair; the girl looked to be about 11.—
John Jeremiah Sullivan James Patrick Cronin Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That’s where Baker and his team got the idea to find the sturdiest survivors and interbreed them with their Florida siblings.—
Alex Harris
July 25,
Miami Herald,
25 July 2025
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Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Butler is a victim of a sinister moral panic, one in which small and jealous spirits tore down the highest targets their stubby little souls could reach.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
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But sadder yet is when a deer or rabbit decides to devour a young plant, leaving behind one stubby, leafless stick in the ground.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumpy. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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