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
Per Nielsen, broadcast channels accounted for a puny 4.1 percent of all TV viewing among viewers aged 6-17, while cable (remember that?) wasn’t much better, with a 6.1 percent share.
—
Josef Adalian, Vulture, 31 July 2025
There will be a puny amount spent on commercials and campaign literature relative to the amount of ads and mail produced that promote Kinloch's candidacy.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Last season, the Chargers gave up a puny average of 17.7 points per game, best in the NFL.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 July 2025
Reps the Royals would have preferred to give him at Triple-A Omaha before his neon numbers at the plate and their puny offensive production converged to accelerate the call-up.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Josef Adalian, Vulture, 31 July 2025
There will be a puny amount spent on commercials and campaign literature relative to the amount of ads and mail produced that promote Kinloch's candidacy.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Last season, the Chargers gave up a puny average of 17.7 points per game, best in the NFL.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 July 2025
Reps the Royals would have preferred to give him at Triple-A Omaha before his neon numbers at the plate and their puny offensive production converged to accelerate the call-up.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
-
Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rather, when Labor Day Weekend ended, the man leading the league in that category was Corbin Carroll, the diminutive (by baseball standards) right fielder playing for the underwhelming Arizona Diamondbacks.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
However, the diminutive blue Smurfs took over as Smurfs’ Enchanted Voyage in 1984.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Seattle did very little to silence those critics in Week 1.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
He was joined by little bro Jason, who's younger than him by 13 months.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And in the case of this particular tiny home, the Timberline model by Amazon brand Allwood, that picture-perfect retreat is just a click away.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
So pack that sunscreen, toss a floppy hat into your weekend bag, and get ready to sip fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share