PUNILY Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

puny

adjective

ˈpyü-nē

Definition of puny

as in small

of a size that is less than average a puny, wrinkled apple

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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 ship is massive compared to other sailboats, but puny when stacked up against a cargo ship. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 But the processes that govern gene regulation are proving so complex that some biologists wonder whether a full understanding of it — of how the genome really works — will ever be within the grasp of our puny minds. — Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026 Familiarity has reduced the plane into a puny can. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026 In an earlier era, this panorama might have communicated the puny anonymity of corporate life. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for puny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny

Adjective

The Sun’s gravity confines dense plasma, while terrestrial machines must create conditions for useful fusion within a much smaller space.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Ear seeding is a needle-free acupuncture technique that uses small beads held to the ear with adhesive to stimulate specific pressure points.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

Mini-moons’ proximity to Earth, and their low relative speeds, means less rocket propellant is needed to get out to these diminutive targets and back to Earth.

— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The evening, co-hosted by Vanity Fair, marked a continuation in the film’s already lengthy journey, with a suitably ambitious exhibition pulling back the curtain on costumes, puppets, props and diminutive sets.

— Bridget Arsenault, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Adjective

Here's where the high diesel prices add up tough – what little hay there is, is a lot more expensive to harvest.

— Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of little

Adjective

Researchers implant pairs of tiny magnets into a muscle and position external sensors over the skin.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
To stretch your legs, grab one of the resort’s bikes and take the half-hour ride on the narrow, largely traffic-free dirt road down to Punto Allen, a tiny fishing village with a picturesque lighthouse.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of tiny

Browse Nearby Words

punts

puny

pup

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“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of puny

adjective

Example Sentences

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