stumps 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of stump
1
2
as in dares
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat when my grandfather was a kid, he and his friends would stump one another to dive into the local swimming hole

Synonyms & Similar Words

stumps

2 of 2

noun

plural of stump

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 stumps
Verb
Ann Braunstein lives off of Hutchison Road where branches and stumps line her street as well. Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Learn more about why some stumps regrow and how to stop them. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 Turkey tail grows on dead logs and tree stumps in overlapping layers that resemble a wild bird’s plumage. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 Or arrange a bunch of tree stumps around a fire pit to create seating that the kids will love. Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 25 May 2026 Ancient artifacts found beneath Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as one mystery still stumps researchers. FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 David Hogg stumps for Mai Vang in 7th District primary. Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 In 1938, Pennington pitched a tent outside the hiring hall for workers building the Shasta Dam, set up some tree stumps for seats and started hawking grub. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Also, check rocks, stumps or logs before sitting down. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumps
Verb
  • The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In the clip, Dawkins shuffles out onto the field with no shirt, a pair of Crocs and a clear plastic bag ready to get the ol' inside-out treatment.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Even an ordinary staircase practically dares you to stare at it long enough to convince yourself something moved.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, because vinegar cuts through residues, clothes feel gentler against the skin, which is especially beneficial for children, as well as anyone with allergies.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the brush in hand, make circular motions on the surfaces, breaking up any chalky residues and removing bacteria.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The need for data Inside the headquarters of UBTech Robotics, one of China’s biggest humanoid robot firms, a silver-and-black mannequin picks up a box, stomps across the floor, and mechanically places the box on a shelf.
    Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Achord bounces on his toes like an impatient little kid watching his guys work, stomps his right foot on the ground and vaults his right arm forward to demonstrate how someone should return a kick.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Another challenges applicants to create a social media post about a food or flavor combination they're currently obsessed with.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This challenges the assumption that such behavior belongs to anyone’s true identity.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • These beautiful, intrepid, witty and irrepressible young women and men are living witnesses to the destruction of the last vestiges of the dream of freedom of expression in Russia.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As with many vestiges of the past, this myth is both a blessing and a curse.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In the movie, the two actors first cross paths when Ledger’s character stumbles upon Bettany, who is fully naked, strolling through the streets after losing his clothes and money from gambling.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after, a young man stumbles towards Pat from the direction of the pub, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Dolly's remnants also bringing rain Elsewhere, the hurricane center is keeping an eye on whether the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly could develop again.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This handout image released by the Grand Canyon National Park Service via X (formerly Twitter) on August 30, 2026 shows remnants of stone bridge pylons along Bright Angel Creek following a flash flood that destroyed the footbridge on August 29.
    Trevor Ault, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumps. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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