puny

adjective

ˈpyü-nē How to pronounce puny (audio)
Definition of punynext
as in small
of a size that is less than average a puny, wrinkled apple

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 The turbine maxed out at 25 kilowatts—puny compared to modern machines that generate up to 26 megawatts, but more than most energy experts expected from wind technology in November 1976. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
  1. small
  2. diminutive
  3. little
  4. tiny
Adjective
  • Only about a dozen countries have active programs, including small Caribbean island states.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The treasurer’s office says the administrative cost of processing very small payments can exceed their value.
    — Mark Lewyn, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of small
Adjective
  • That said, the actress playing the diminutive vigilante — a remarkable Sneha Kumari — drums up just enough passion and intrigue to counterbalance this relatively rote unfurling.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This is a tricky proposition, as these black holes would have a lifetime as diminutive as their size.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of diminutive
Adjective
  • But little progress has been made towards implementing a deal to end the conflict, which includes terms for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its troops.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The Salem witch trials of 1692 carved out an enduring and powerful niche in American history for this little town, and this intimate, kitschy museum does an excellent job telling the story.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of little
Adjective
  • Crowdsourcing the follow-up work — developing gene therapies or treatments — might prove beyond the scope of this tiny community.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Radioactive beta particles strike the fibers and trigger tiny pulses of light.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of tiny

Browse Nearby Words

punts
puny
pup
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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