RUNT Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

runt

noun

ˈrənt

Definition of runt

as in dwarf

something (such as an animal) much smaller than others of its kind one kitten was definitely the runt, weighing only six ounces at birth

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 runt Schuster-Koloamatangi, who’s a native New Zealander, plays Dek, the franchise’s first Yautja protagonist, and as the runt of his Predator clan, he’s been completely written off by his father. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 Seen as the runt of his clan, Dek has something to prove. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025 College football’s eternal doormat, the runt of the SEC’s original litter, had earned time in the national spotlight. — Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025 Imagine a second straight year of Bama righting the season by beating Georgia — and then immediately losing to the SEC's longtime runt. — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for runt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for runt

Noun

Norse mythology reinforced this tradition through the story of Fafnir, a dwarf transformed into a dragon by his overwhelming greed for a cursed hoard of gold.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
All fir trees are useful to birds, and some are available in dwarf form for smaller gardens.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026

Definition of dwarf

Noun

The more common nickname, El Mencho, is said to be a diminutive of his first name, Nemesio.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Another gender-neutral name that had a burst of popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Jamie was a go-to for girls or a diminutive of James for boys.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Noun

Zookeepers nursed him and gave him the toy to develop his gripping ability, something newborn macaques need to survive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
And while there are still comic artists and writers at small tables signing and sketching, and dealers selling original art out of binders in crates, a good chunk of the space is occupied by media and toy companies, trying to outdo one another.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026