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

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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

This filter-like foundation also has a blurring effect that’s hydrating and brightening, leaving my skin looking fresh and plump—which is thanks to the niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides infused into it.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 14 July 2026
When the sweet corn is still plump and juicy, mix it with grits for a summery spin on shrimp and grits (grits are corn, after all).

— Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

Definition of plump

Adjective

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
The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.

— Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

An 864Wh battery provides an advertised range of up to 80 miles under ideal riding conditions, while 20-by-4-inch fat tires and front and rear suspension help create a more comfortable ride over gravel and uneven roads.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
The moderate-intensity group lost a small amount of lean mass alongside fat loss.

— Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

Definition of fat

Adjective

In 2024, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor bestowed by the governor as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a distinguished American marine biologist at his home in the central Philippines, police said Thursday.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The potential path is long and demanding, starting with the visit of Pyunik on Wednesday evening for a first qualifying round clash that will see the winners take on either Northern Ireland’s Glentoran or Latvian side Riga.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
That set the stage for his post-round media availability, where, naturally, he was asked again about the DeChambeau ruling.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026