as in small
of a size that is less than average
a puny, wrinkled apple
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 puny
The volume of noteworthy art is greater than ever before, and our list, even at a monumental 100 works, with some 15,000 words of copy to accompany them, looks puny in comparison.
—
Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Health Care The second-worst sector over the past 12 months was health care, up a puny 4.6%.
—John Dorfman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Right now, geothermal energy meets less than one per cent of humanity’s electricity and heating needs—a puny, almost irrelevant portion.
—Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Brantley, if healthy, could be a favorite for the other job: Quarterbacks had a puny 16.6 passer rating when targeting Brantley: 14 receptions in 37 targets for 149 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns permitted.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Health Care The second-worst sector over the past 12 months was health care, up a puny 4.6%.
—John Dorfman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Right now, geothermal energy meets less than one per cent of humanity’s electricity and heating needs—a puny, almost irrelevant portion.
—Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Brantley, if healthy, could be a favorite for the other job: Quarterbacks had a puny 16.6 passer rating when targeting Brantley: 14 receptions in 37 targets for 149 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns permitted.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
-
Although set in the small city, the movie was reportedly filmed in several locations in Louisiana.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
Consider connecting with a public library, small book store or educational sectors willing to donate titles that support healing and wellness to add to the community library.—
Sahmie S. Wytewa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
While diminutive, his many admirers would call him an intellectual giant.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Patty Maloney, the diminutive actress known for her work with actor Billy Barty and for her role on the cult classic Star Wars Holiday Special, died March 31, her manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Obstetricians say, at the end of the day, AFE is really just a product of bad luck, and there's little that can be done to prevent it.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
These little bottles command three-figure price tags.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Follicle cysts form when the tiny sac (called a follicle) that houses the maturing egg during your cycle doesn’t break open as usual to release said egg.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Because of the unique position of the pope, a cleric with his own tiny state and significant global influence, the book is also a chronicle of contemporary international affairs.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.—
Hollyanna McCollom,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share