as in gaunt
being tall, thin and usually loose-jointed
spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village
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Recent Examples of spindly
Her long, spindly body operates in an anticipatory arch, her body gliding across the pitch in long, laboured strides until igniting into a blur, a combination of ferocity and grace.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 6 July 2025
His self-presentation is not that of a postmodern auteur, poised to trounce his critics, but of a goofy man off to the side with spectator shoes, spindly legs, and ginormous hands.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Overall, his spindly frame needs some filling out to help in battles, even though he’s shown a willingness to stick his nose into those.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
The stilettos were pared back to their essentials — a thin strap at the toes, squared sole and a high heel balanced on a spindly stem.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for spindly
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 6 July 2025
His self-presentation is not that of a postmodern auteur, poised to trounce his critics, but of a goofy man off to the side with spectator shoes, spindly legs, and ginormous hands.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Overall, his spindly frame needs some filling out to help in battles, even though he’s shown a willingness to stick his nose into those.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
The stilettos were pared back to their essentials — a thin strap at the toes, squared sole and a high heel balanced on a spindly stem.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for spindly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spindly
Adjective
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Then a gaunt old girl lit out over the ridge, and the others broke and followed.—
Fred C. Mercer,
Outdoor Life,
14 Aug. 2025
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But the most notable departure, however, is that of gaunt, artsy Nevermore student Xavier Thorpe, who was presented as a potential love interest for Jenna Ortega's Wednesday Addams.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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During the survey, researchers noticed a skinny fish and identified it as a dorozome lizardfish, the first record of the species from Malaysia.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
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Imagine a hybrid between mom jeans and skinny jeans, the perfect flattering combo to project an impeccable style.—
Renata Joffre,
Glamour,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One does not hire Bill Skarsgård unless one is looking for a lanky, off-putting weirdo.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
2 Sep. 2025
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Visit in spring for a chance to see the road lined with tall and lanky Big Bend bluebonnets.—
Eva Frederick,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Lift your hips off the ground and place a block underneath your sacrum, the widest, boniest part of your pelvis.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
16 Oct. 2024
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Differences in Adult Bones That being said, some adults are bonier than others.—
Sam Walters,
Discover Magazine,
3 Nov. 2023
Adjective
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Between them, the gangly mods kept alive the fading tradition of feuding musical geniuses, a path that Paul McCartney and John Lennon had paved before them.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
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Indeed, at 6-foot-5 but hiding it under a gangly posture, the Australian star can seem younger than his 28 years.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The top-floor primary suite faces the water with a fireplace, a sitting area that spills onto a slender balcony, and a spectacular bathroom that turns bathing and grooming into a ceremony.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
4 Sep. 2025
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For a modern or narrow doorway, tall, slender plants elongate the entry.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spindly. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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