as in nominal
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention
offered her guest only one measly cookie
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 measly
The answer ultimately lies in the inverted pyramid’s layout, a bright red steak and giant stick of butter prominently featured above a measly sliver of whole grains.
—
Tania Fabo, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Not when All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell’s two interceptions only yielded a field goal in a measly exchange rate that would infuriate any economist.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for measly
Tania Fabo, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Not when All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell’s two interceptions only yielded a field goal in a measly exchange rate that would infuriate any economist.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for measly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for measly
Adjective
-
Eligible organizations may request up to $200,000, and clinics must provide free or nominal-fee services, including representation, taxpayer education, and advocacy.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
-
However, Fulmer said that the society worries that if the mansion is sold, even for a nominal amount, then the end of public maintenance funding could have a striking effect on the face of the building.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
After the unremarkable Chip Kelly recruiting era, which begat a slight bump under DeShaun Foster, what first-year coach Bob Chesney has done, before coaching a game, has been downright remarkable.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
The video shows slight puffs of smoke from the Sea Star’s smokestack, and then darker smoke rising from it after the strike.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
One new study looked at how the coloring of microplastics – the tiny bits of plastics found everywhere from our rivers to our brains – may actually be helping increase temperatures.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
The lab didn't take DNA samples from each fish, which can be done by clipping off a tiny bit of one fin.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The other candidates in the races have raised sums that are paltry in comparison to Bera and Hall.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Ultimately, their preferred candidate, a moderate, prevailed, but Jude said that he is disappointed with the new administration’s policies, which have cut already paltry funding for public education.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/measly. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
