as in small
of a size that is less than average
a puny, wrinkled apple
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Example Sentences
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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
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Although set in the small city, the movie was reportedly filmed in several locations in Louisiana.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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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
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In March 2020, paleontologists reported an extraordinary finding: a diminutive skull, just over a centimeter long, preserved in amber.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Thomas is a kinetic, diminutive woman whose energy belies her years.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His use of a century’s old wartime law to deport undocumented migrants with little or no due process to a notorious prison in El Salvador under scrutiny after the administration deported at least one migrant there by mistake.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2025
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At the time, Colter believed that Russell (Jensen Ackles) was responsible for killing Dad, and Mom did little to dissuade him.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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Buffett has owned tiny stakes in sports franchises during his career.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
4 May 2025
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This single complication alone requires 123 tiny components to set its horological dance into motion.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 13 May. 2025.
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