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
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
-
After his ice-cold start that was due, in large part, to Jaden McDaniels’ stout defense, Gilgeous-Alexander was spectacular in the second half (20 points, five assists, four rebounds, eight-of-14 shooting and a plus-25 rating as the Thunder dominated 70-40).—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
Normally, heavy tackle is preferred, including a stout casting rod and 15 to 18-pound-test line, so heavy fish can be kept from diving into weeds or under logs.—
Don Shiner,
Outdoor Life,
14 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
-
Photo: By Stefan Kohli The collection, which includes necklaces, rings, and earrings, takes cues from Parker’s signature ceramics style: oversized plump white studs bear a resemblance to her Puffy Daisy sconce, as does the Puffy Dome cuff bracelet.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
21 May 2025
-
Those plump little gems are juicy, sweet, and packed with antioxidants and fiber.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 May 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
-
It’s got all the gaming-friendly extras; HDR support, DP 1.4, HDMI, and a metal stand that actually feels sturdy for once.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2025
-
The straps are made from a sturdy synthetic leather alternative that holds its shape more than other softer materials, but the interior of the straps and insoles are still lined with a light suede that’s gentle on the skin and comfy for full-day wear.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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