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

Have lunch at the petite Picnic Real Food Bar, and don't worry if it's already run out of the plump and delicious pies (everything is worth trying).

— Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026
Five trips later, this serum has left me with a plump, hydrated complexion that looks great even without makeup.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of plump

Adjective

The Spurs believe the most imposing version of their defensive cornerstone has yet to arrive.

— Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of imposing

Adjective

Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid are fat soluble, cutting through oily follicles, and tend to suit oily or acne-prone skin.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
Local outfitter Bikescape runs beginner-friendly Nordic ski tours on the trails within Banff National Park as well as electric fat-tire bike tours that include a backcountry lunch.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of fat

Adjective

As previously reported, Cezary Skubiszewski was feted with the distinguished services to the Australian screen award, in recognition of his impressive body of work spanning more than 30 years.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Dan Lipinski is a former Democratic congressman from Illinois and a distinguished visiting fellow for the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at the Hoover Institution.

— Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The Bettie Ballet Flats have a round toe like Hawn’s pair, plus a small bow that’ll peek out from under long pants or dresses.

— Sarah Felbin, InStyle, 13 Nov. 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs improved their offense at Tuesday’s trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two 2027 mid-round draft picks.

— Pete Sweeney November 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026