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
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His responsibilities — stout defense, ball security — in Cronin’s offense became clearer.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
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The owner, Yuriy Sternat, a stout man with a bushy gray beard, stood behind the bar.—
Michael Holtz,
New Yorker,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Cushions on all sides dial up the comfort factor, and the short, stubby legs keep things grounded in more ways than one.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
22 Jan. 2026
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There’s a real love-is-dead moment when Yas spots Cordelia, who was just rhapsodizing about the purity of her romance with a younger man, literally on her knees before a stubby, old rich guy.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While the Heat over the years have succeeded with smaller guards, the majority of success stories with those of diminutive stature are those with stockier builds, such as Tim Hardaway, Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry or even current bulldog Davion Mitchell.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Sturdy Seat The Chisel Lounge Chair by HAY is a delightfully stocky option.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The rooms Supremely comfy, with no gimmicky surprises — just proper, old-school amenities, the plumpest beds and (16 types of) pillows, and gleaming bathrooms decked in mottled marble.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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Start with plump rhizomes, sprout them in warmth and humidity, then plant in well-draining soil.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
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
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Organizers brushed off those rumors, heralding the beds as sturdy and eco-friendly.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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