as in small
of a size that is less than average
a puny, wrinkled apple
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Recent Examples of puny
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
For blockbuster movies, whose budgets now routinely exceed $300 million, California’s puny tax credits can easily make filming in L.A. tens of millions more expensive than in other locations.
—Lane Brown, Vulture, 3 June 2025
What’s more, California’s current $330 million is puny compared to what other states spend.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
The rally in May is puny, though, compared to previous somewhat similar periods and that’s what El-Arian is noting in his comments.
—John Navin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
For blockbuster movies, whose budgets now routinely exceed $300 million, California’s puny tax credits can easily make filming in L.A. tens of millions more expensive than in other locations.
—Lane Brown, Vulture, 3 June 2025
What’s more, California’s current $330 million is puny compared to what other states spend.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
The rally in May is puny, though, compared to previous somewhat similar periods and that’s what El-Arian is noting in his comments.
—John Navin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
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Going directly from cooking inside the house and only trying my own food to trying small restaurants and traveling within a week’s span was a blessing.—
Kenneth J. Williams Jr,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
On a sunny morning in late June, his exercise regimen began with small steps: His right foot keeping pace with the treadmill, his left foot stationary, off to the side.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The best part of that bit is a diminutive JD Vance as Tattoo.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Visible only under a microscope, the diminutive innards are called organoids.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There was a broad perception that López Obrador did little to confront the cartels.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
-
These hard-working little creatures stockpile food in their dens for winter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Although, her selection of dazzling looks in and of themselves were enough to distract fans from the tiny blip.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The tiny matching spoon fits perfectly inside the lid of the jam jar, and the jar even comes with a circular spoon rest. Serve up your favorite jams of the season, or use the jar in a gift basket alongside homemade creations during the holidays.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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