as in suppressing
to hold back the normal growth of
unfortunately, an unusually dry summer seems to have permanently stunted the tree
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Recent Examples of stunting
If the winds don't blow or are light, sea breezes develop, stunting any warming, especially close to the coast.
—
Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Jokic dropped his right shoulder into Wembanyama, spun away from a stunting second defender on his left pivot foot, then planted his right at the elbow for take-off.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Most recently, the Of The ESSENCE Digital Cover star has been stunting in head-turning looks throughout her press tour for her upcoming film You, Me & Tuscany, out on April 10.
—Akili King, Essence, 1 Apr. 2026
In such a dense environment, a dark galaxy could arise when the older galaxies pull away star forming material from a younger one, essentially stunting its development.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Mar. 2026
Javadi stunting on Langdon with her follower count is my favorite thing ever.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
If the Mavericks are going to mostly stink in Flagg’s rookie season and perhaps not get much better right away next year, is this stunting his NBA growth in any way?
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 13 Jan. 2026
The officiating team then moved the line of scrimmage to where Dowdle picked the ball up, to force a second-and-17, a drive-stunting turn of events.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Roots become dehydrated, and water stress causes stunting, deformities, and dieback.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Jokic dropped his right shoulder into Wembanyama, spun away from a stunting second defender on his left pivot foot, then planted his right at the elbow for take-off.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Most recently, the Of The ESSENCE Digital Cover star has been stunting in head-turning looks throughout her press tour for her upcoming film You, Me & Tuscany, out on April 10.
—Akili King, Essence, 1 Apr. 2026
In such a dense environment, a dark galaxy could arise when the older galaxies pull away star forming material from a younger one, essentially stunting its development.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Mar. 2026
Javadi stunting on Langdon with her follower count is my favorite thing ever.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
If the Mavericks are going to mostly stink in Flagg’s rookie season and perhaps not get much better right away next year, is this stunting his NBA growth in any way?
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 13 Jan. 2026
The officiating team then moved the line of scrimmage to where Dowdle picked the ball up, to force a second-and-17, a drive-stunting turn of events.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Roots become dehydrated, and water stress causes stunting, deformities, and dieback.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunting
Verb
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Moss is low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and can thrive in various environments, benefiting gardens by controlling erosion and suppressing weeds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
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Echinacea may interact with caffeine and immune-suppressing medications, though more research is needed to confirm this.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bills to temporarily halting data center construction have been introduced in at least dozen states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
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Meaningful regime change, halting Iran's nuclear ambitions, and dismantling its ballistic missile program are all very much an open question, with some analysts saying the war has led to an even more hardline government in Tehran that may be more determined to pursue nuclear weapons.—
Greg Myre,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Our diminishing water resources are being directed toward expanding cities.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
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The state officials, all Democrats, claimed the massive merger would give Nexstar too much control over local TV stations, ultimately hurting consumers by diminishing the diversity and quality of their newscasts.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Certain graphics on this page may be affected by ad-blocking software.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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During reentry, the heat shield on the spacecraft endures temperatures as high as 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit and plasma will form around the capsule, blocking the transmission of radio signals.—
Miles Doran,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, skipped a traditional airport photo op, instead departing in a convoy of vehicles without stopping to pose for the press.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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But with the brief resurgence of the run game, the run-stopping, athletic inside linebacker is a bit more crucial.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Connecticut hospitals were struggling due to the provider tax and shrinking federal support well before the coronavirus pandemic placed them under unprecedented economic strain in 2020 and 2021.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
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But despite this compact, which the states are renegotiating in 2026, the basin’s water supply is shrinking.—
Dave White,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That’s roughly the length of a large pickup truck, dwarfing most crocodilian species alive today.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
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Today, Starbucks has more than 32,000 stores in 80 countries, dwarfing other chains like Dunkin’ Donuts, which has about 14,000 stores globally.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunting. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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