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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That pair earned a 57 percent expected goal rate while playing matchup minutes in the regular season, but their defense wasn’t as stout against the Devils in Round 1.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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Or try Tower Arch Trail (3.4 miles roundtrip), which takes you to a stout, wide arch near a tower.—
Maya Silver,
Outside Online,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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On the show Hill would buy dilapidated homes, fix them up and sell them for a profit.—
Jennifer Sangalang,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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The manager of a dilapidated building called the Workers’ Cultural Palace gives a speech about his plans for the space.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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The selection of works indeed revealed a preference for male subjects unique in a movement typically associated with fetching representations of young women in sun-dappled gowns and bonnets and plump, rose-cheeked children.—
James Meyer,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
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The brand’s Hyaluronic Rose Complex includes Damascus rosewater and 11 types of hyaluronic acid to nourish skin, as well as niacinamide, working to improve the appearance of skin texture and minimize pores, plus plump and firm.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 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
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Anderson is stocky with an enthusiastic teaching style and a passion for jiu jitsu.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
5 May 2025
-
The sizable insects have stocky bodies and short antennae.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
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The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
12 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 20 May. 2025.
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