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 Most of the major relationship milestones and potholes happen offscreen between the seasonal vacays, leaving us to find entertainment and meaning in the puny aftershocks. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025 And that means something in a Hollywood that now caters to puny screens and punier visions, outsourcing the finer mechanics of action filmmaking to the visual-effects department. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 May 2025 Vampire Survivors weighs in at a puny 600 megabytes. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025 That puny loaf is for this baker’s secret pleasure. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
  • The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pauline’s diminutive redesign has raised plenty of questions, although Nintendo rarely seems interested in providing any answers from DK lore.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • Shoutout to the diminutive Mooney, who gets full marks for his effort level and compete at his size.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Taylor, meanwhile, became a meme at the end of last year as fans couldn’t get enough of her performance as Young Nessarose, Elphaba’s little sister, in Wicked.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 23 June 2025
  • The issue passed with opposition from Republicans and 18 skeptical Democrats in the House but with relatively little public outcry.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tech has a tiny presence on the Southeast Asia 500, generating just under 3% of the list’s total revenue.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • Capture brain signals: The device's tiny electrodes pick up signals from individual neurons in the motor cortex.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on puny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!