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
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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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runt
Noun
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There is a dwarf version of this plant (Polygala fruticosa var.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
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Dwarf Conifers Just like Japanese maple, dwarf conifers such as dwarf Alberta spruce (shown here) come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Meaning: The name Indie can be a diminutive of the names India (country southern Asia) or Indiana (state in midwestern U.S.).—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2025
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Residing on hillside slopes and gently rolling valleys surrounding the stately medieval village of Montalcino, vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are home to a clone of Sangiovese known locally as Brunello, which is a diminutive of the Italian word for brown.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Lee Lee’s legendary mascot, Buddy Lee, is the focal point of the brand’s new collaboration with designer toy powerhouse Mighty Jaxx and artist Jason Freeny.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
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This year, the National Toy Hall of Fame inducted board games Trivial Pursuit and Battleship—and one decidedly more modern toy, slime.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Runt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runt. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
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