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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Recent Examples of measly
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
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
See All Example Sentences for measly
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
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
See All Example Sentences for measly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for measly
Adjective
-
And, in the end, none of the aforementioned might be available except for Ja Morant, who might be only a nominal upgrade, if that.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Companies provide most of the capital; Pegasus contributes a nominal share for compliance reasons and manages the investments.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Knicks are slight favorites to win Game 4, and a win would flip things back around.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
If your car is equipped with front radar or driver‑assist features, dirt on the sensor or slight misalignment from a parking‑lot bump could also be the culprit.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Republicans have a tiny four-vote majority in the chamber, and the president’s party historically struggles in midterm balloting.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Lunch is served here too, but during the day most guests prefer to head over to the family’s beach club, Bagno Assunta, which serves classic Italian summer fare, like a solid insalata caprese and spaghetti alle arselle (tiny local clams).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.
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