PORTLY Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

portly

adjective

ˈpȯrt-lē

Definition of portly

as in plump

having an excess of body fat a portly gentleman who loved to cook for his family and friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 portly The portly, silver-haired son of a Breton fisherman viewed himself as a man with a mission — to keep France French under the banner of the National Front. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Oh, and being a bit on the portly side couldn't hurt one's chance's, either. — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 22 July 2023 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 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 See All Example Sentences for portly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for portly

Adjective

While some cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight or dry, this tonic helps my complexion feel soft, plump, and refreshed—the perfect hydrated canvas for the rest of my morning skin-care routine.

— Sara Tan, Allure, 11 Aug. 2026
An InStyle editor’s mom swears by the Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask for plump, firm, even skin.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of plump

Adjective

When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

With fatter paychecks, customers are rebelling against the chains that serve up shrinkflation and replace workers with broken self-checkout machines and touchscreen kiosks.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
In another trial, researchers with the UC San Diego School of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University are also analyzing blood from 84 adult participants with HIV and abnormal levels of body fat buildup.

— Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of fat

Adjective

Lederer, 67, has a long and impressive history in independent watchmaking, having been a distinguished member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 1985.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
The distinguished Indian fashion brand Sabyasachi has partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for a new line of jewelry inspired by the institution’s vast collection.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

This gorgeous night dress will keep you cool in the summer, and features a romantic lace trim, round neckline, and luminous shell buttons.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Could 2025 seventh-round Zeek Biggers and fifth-rounder Phillips end up helping the Dolphins more than Grant, Miami’s first-round pick in the last draft run by Chris Grier?

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026