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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 stumpy
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
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
The fish obtain their unique shape because their back fin stops growing after birth and instead folds into itself, creating a stumpy rudder called a clavus, per National Geographic.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2021
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
See All Example Sentences for stumpy
Rachel Monroe, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2018
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
The fish obtain their unique shape because their back fin stops growing after birth and instead folds into itself, creating a stumpy rudder called a clavus, per National Geographic.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2021
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
See All Example Sentences for stumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumpy
Adjective
-
That pair earned a 57 percent expected goal rate while playing matchup minutes in the regular season, but their defense wasn’t as stout against the Devils in Round 1.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
Or try Tower Arch Trail (3.4 miles roundtrip), which takes you to a stout, wide arch near a tower.—
Maya Silver,
Outside Online,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Graham has a stubby build and some prospects are more athletic.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Elephants, for instance, became tapirs, with stubby trunks and legs.—
Caroline Winterer / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Anderson is stocky with an enthusiastic teaching style and a passion for jiu jitsu.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
5 May 2025
-
The sizable insects have stocky bodies and short antennae.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The selection of works indeed revealed a preference for male subjects unique in a movement typically associated with fetching representations of young women in sun-dappled gowns and bonnets and plump, rose-cheeked children.—
James Meyer,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
-
The brand’s Hyaluronic Rose Complex includes Damascus rosewater and 11 types of hyaluronic acid to nourish skin, as well as niacinamide, working to improve the appearance of skin texture and minimize pores, plus plump and firm.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Place objects like blocks or stools, or maybe even a squatty potty, under your feet to raise your knees higher than your hips.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
20 Nov. 2024
-
Even with standard organizational paranoia about plans leaking, not using a running back with a squatty frame and credible speed is curious.—
Ben Standig,
The Athletic,
29 July 2024
Adjective
-
For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
-
The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share