as in nominal
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention
offered her guest only one measly cookie
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of measly
What was she supposed to do after that, write a bunch of measly recipes?
—
Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2025
Northwestern had 150 total yards and 10 points in the first quarter, while Minnesota had five measly yards and zero points.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
One time, the entrepreneurial pair were at a McDonald’s in Hong Kong, and Gates recalled laughing when Buffett offered to foot the measly bill, pulling coupons out of his pocket.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Expanding the Mac mini M4’s storage beyond the measly base 256GB SSD is eye-watering.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for measly
Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2025
Northwestern had 150 total yards and 10 points in the first quarter, while Minnesota had five measly yards and zero points.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
One time, the entrepreneurial pair were at a McDonald’s in Hong Kong, and Gates recalled laughing when Buffett offered to foot the measly bill, pulling coupons out of his pocket.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Expanding the Mac mini M4’s storage beyond the measly base 256GB SSD is eye-watering.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for measly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for measly
Adjective
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Seven has been the nominal crew size on the ISS since 2020.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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This year, though, both LaHood and Bost are running unopposed in the March 17 GOP primary and Miller’s facing only nominal opposition.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There used to be a down season in Edinburgh, when Scotland's capital city—with its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile, and 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop—caught a slight breather from tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Down two goals against an opponent also full of NHL players, the tournament favorite did not look the slightest bit shook.—
Stephen Whyno,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The tiny tip gives you flexibility to fill and shape your brows for a bold look or something more minimal with just a little enhancement and color.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
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These particles are covered with tiny chain-like structures that interact with metal ions in solution.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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On top of the tariff challenges, paltry snowfall in the West has led to less exposure for Wildcoat’s gear.—
Max Scheinblum,
Denver Post,
7 Feb. 2026
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The paltry level of retirement savings may also help explain rising poverty among older Americans.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/measly. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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