as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
stumpy penguins become agile swimmers the moment they hit the water
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stumpy
At one point, someone on InSight’s science team wondered if the lander’s somewhat stumpy arm could prod the solar panels, or perhaps scrape off some dust.
—
Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022
These were kings, calmer and more aloof than the royals, going through their annual molt, their stumpy bodies a mess of patchy old plumage being pushed up and out by new growth.
—Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2021
Clearly, this was not some unmarked but common alternative route; it was studded with stumpy pine trees, and the terrain made for hard going.
—Rachel Monroe, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2018
Previously, scientists had thought that tardigrades evolved their stumpy bodies by fusing body segments together.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for stumpy
Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022
These were kings, calmer and more aloof than the royals, going through their annual molt, their stumpy bodies a mess of patchy old plumage being pushed up and out by new growth.
—Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2021
Clearly, this was not some unmarked but common alternative route; it was studded with stumpy pine trees, and the terrain made for hard going.
—Rachel Monroe, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2018
Previously, scientists had thought that tardigrades evolved their stumpy bodies by fusing body segments together.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2016
See All Example Sentences for stumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumpy
Adjective
-
To ensure seedlings develop stout and sturdy stems, keep your grow lights on for about 14 to 16 hours per day and position the lights about 2 to 4 inches above the seed trays or seedling leaves.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Jan. 2026
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This matchup will come down to how well Philadelphia’s stout defense plays against one of the better offensive units in the league.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The most recognizable part of that frame is that stubby tail-end, reminiscent of the Ducati Diavel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 Dec. 2025
-
His retail wares included crocodile dog collars, croc stubby beer holders, croc skulls, croc tail key rings, croc tooth necklaces, croc purses, croc foot back scratchers and more.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Despite his short and stocky appearance, garnering comparisons to a fire plug, La Guardia was loud and brash.—
Mo Rocca,
CBS News,
4 Jan. 2026
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First, despite being short, Rossi is built muscular and stocky.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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By doing this, the fibers also go from flat to fluffy, making the cushions look much more plump.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
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In addition to buying in season, look for berries with smooth, plump, and firm skin, which indicate high quality, says Michelle Hall, chef instructor at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Sit with your feet wide apart and elevate them on blocks, stools, or a squatty potty to lift your knees above your hips.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
30 Oct. 2025
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Early on, many Falcons players and coaches misinterpreted his squatty 6-foot-3-ish, 305-pound frame and notably rounded midsection as a lack of athleticism.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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