PUNY Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

puny

adjective

ˈpyü-nē

Definition of puny

as in small

of a size that is less than average a puny, wrinkled apple

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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

Adjective

There’s also a small but well-equipped 24-hour gym, a sauna, steam rooms, and a Jacuzzi area with daybeds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
In a small Idaho town, a young mother is accused of killing her young twins.

— Glenn Thrush Eric Schmitt Liam Stack Tim Balk, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

The Lucre mules are crafted in butter-soft kid suede in a dark midnight shade and have the most diminutive toe strap holding the shoe in place.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
At 5ft 7in (170cm), Sullivan is a diminutive winger with his own needs.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Adjective

While her work regularly brings her into close proximity with children, Uta has little interest in starting a family of her own.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
His viewing has little to do with finance, ranging from 1950s commercials to Uzbekistan’s version of America’s Got Talent.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of little

Adjective

Commonly associated with environmental risk factors such as smoking or exposure to hazards like radon, the rare but aggressively fast-growing condition gets its name from the unusually tiny appearance of its cells.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
These tiny architects of the deep sea actively regulate microbial populations.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of tiny

Browse Nearby Words

punts

puny

pup

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“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of puny

adjective

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