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
The evidence In addition to animal research, there are a handful of preliminary studies in humans suggesting colostrum may improve certain forms of inflammatory bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as stunting in children.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 1 June 2026
Sunflowers contain allelopathic compounds in all of their tissues that can impact nearby plants, reducing seed germination and stunting the growth of roots and shoots.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Bond yields around the world are rising, a spooky development that could easily weigh on economic growth by stunting consumer spending and capital investment.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 May 2026
The good news is that growing garlic near tomatoes can protect the harvest and keep pests from stunting the growth of your plants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Ari Daniel, NPR, 1 June 2026
Sunflowers contain allelopathic compounds in all of their tissues that can impact nearby plants, reducing seed germination and stunting the growth of roots and shoots.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Bond yields around the world are rising, a spooky development that could easily weigh on economic growth by stunting consumer spending and capital investment.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 May 2026
The good news is that growing garlic near tomatoes can protect the harvest and keep pests from stunting the growth of your plants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunting
Verb
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Others at risk are those taking medication to decrease stomach acid levels, those receiving immune-suppressing therapy or anyone who had recent stomach surgery.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
1 June 2026
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Identifying and naming my jealousy has done far more for me than suppressing it ever did.—
Meehika Barua,
Time,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The court had ruled in favor of the attorneys’ clients, halting the deportation of three family members from India, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the disciplinary ruling did not alter that November decision.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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However, the discomfort returned shortly after, halting his progress.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The swell on Saturday, which brought moderate 3-to 5-foot surf, was diminishing by the evening and into Sunday, said Sebastian Westerink, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
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This put him in the unusual position of being both an embarrassment and a hugely valuable asset to the BBC, as well as the focus of frequent criticism from the UK’s right-leaning media, most of whom have a commercial interest in diminishing the BBC.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The additions of Kadyn Proctor along the offensive line and blocking tight end Will Kacmarek almost certainly affirmed that.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
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Over the following hours, the moon will pass directly in front of the red supergiant star, briefly blocking its light in an event that astronomers refer to as an occultation, according to the astronomy website In-the-Sky.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But he was quickly stopped by police, in the latest sign of the city's shrinking freedom of expression.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
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Africa’s bargaining power is rising just as its fiscal space is shrinking.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
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There were more than 323 million visits to America’s national parks in 2025, dwarfing attendance — 135 million — at professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey games combined.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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The size of Ohio’s tax break skyrocketed, dwarfing previous projections, as opposition to data centers is sweeping through cities, suburbs and towns there and prompting lawmakers to form a committee to study the impact.—
Marc Levy,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunting. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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