1
as in plump
having an excess of body fat
a portly gentleman who loved to cook for his family and friends
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2
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
walked with the portly grace of the grande dame that she was
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portly
In Facebook groups dedicated to Texas barbecue fandom, a recently popular meme shows a portly man dancing on a stripper pole.
—
Elizabeth Findell, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2022
Made of steel, the watch had in its dial a sketch of a portly man, his face framed by round glasses and his broad shoulders clad in a wide-lapelled jacket.
—Sonia Paul, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022
That’s when the portly orphan, who was riding in the van with her, slices off her face to wear it as his own.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2022
One day, Lem held forth about H. G. Wells and Jules Verne to a portly man who turned out to run a publishing house.
—Caleb Crain, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for portly
Elizabeth Findell, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2022
Made of steel, the watch had in its dial a sketch of a portly man, his face framed by round glasses and his broad shoulders clad in a wide-lapelled jacket.
—Sonia Paul, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022
That’s when the portly orphan, who was riding in the van with her, slices off her face to wear it as his own.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2022
One day, Lem held forth about H. G. Wells and Jules Verne to a portly man who turned out to run a publishing house.
—Caleb Crain, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for portly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portly
Adjective
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Isotonic Hydra Gel Eye Masks by Espa: These eye masks instantly hydrate, plump, and brighten the under-eye and contour area, softening dehydration lines and signs of tiredness.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The classic brown color delivers a soft, satin finish, while maracuja oil and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate, plump, and condition your lips.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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On the top of Vo’s wishlist was a stem-cell fat grafting procedure.—
Parizaad Khan Sethi,
Allure,
2 May 2025
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When there is too little thyroid activity, your body stores the excess energy as body fat, often leading to unintended weight gain.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
30 Apr. 2025
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Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, keep scrolling for more small-space patio furniture set deals, including a round metal style and a three-piece rattan seating group.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Time will tell if first round TE Colston Loveland was the correct choice over Tyler Warren. 🤷🏻 Cleveland Browns (I – for incomplete) — Think this assessment is a copout?—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portly. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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