STUNTING Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

stunting

verb

present participle of stunt

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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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 stunting From stunting and weakening plant growth to delaying flower production, these 1/10th-inch-long pests can wreak havoc. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026 Negotiations were shelved, leading to an impasse and stunting Wilson’s development, who was recovering from keyhole ankle surgery which was worse than first thought. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stunting

Verb

Communism is a system of government in which the ruling party controls major investment decisions while hoarding wealth for itself and suppressing all opposition.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
In his view, the Bank of Japan is suppressing bond yields to prevent interest costs on the debt pile from becoming unmanageable.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 July 2026

Definition of suppressing

Verb

After temporarily halting the regulations in May, Darwin found that only state lawmakers can make such policy decisions, according to card room industry officials, who sued to block the rule changes.

— Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
As a means of halting the German and his squad made up of La Masia products such as Lamine Yamal, Spain internationals, and international veterans, Real Madrid president has brought back Jose Mourinho.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of halting

Verb

In May, Darwin filed a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the state from imposing the new rules.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The other thing that’s happening is that the federal government is affirmatively blocking state and local investigators from conducting their own separate probes.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

Definition of blocking

Verb

The driver continued northbound in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue before eventually stopping at Buena High School, according to authorities.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Coastal routes support port integration by stopping at dozens of small ports, enabling year-round transport and supply chains and going well beyond tourism.

— Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

In other words, just as demand for orbit is exploding, the usable capacity of some orbital zones may be shrinking.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
His government also points to shrinking the gender pay gap and boosting support for women’s reproductive health.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 6 July 2026

Definition of shrinking

Verb

At Next Health, the high-dose IV runs $1,000, dwarfing the standard $199 drip on the same page.

— Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Fireworks, an enormous Ferris wheel dwarfing the Capitol dome, a proud white father directing his wife and daughter into the crowd and the future.

— Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of dwarfing

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“Stunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stunting. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stunting

verb

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