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
-
Saddleback Caterpillar has a stout, brown body about an inch long with a bright green rectangle and an oval saddle marking on its back.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Despite McDermott’s stance on the proposal, the Bills — who boast a similarly stout quarterback in Josh Allen — have run a version of play, too.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Graham has a stubby build and some prospects are more athletic.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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Elephants, for instance, became tapirs, with stubby trunks and legs.—
Caroline Winterer / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of the more notable characteristics of the American Badger is its stocky body with very short and powerful legs.—
Stan Tekiela,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2024
-
An hour ago, the stocky British actor best known on these shores for playing tough guys and gangsters was on a morning talk show, after having chatted with Jimmy Fallon the previous evening.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, ceramides help to keep your skin tone plump and even.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
4 Apr. 2025
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This gooey essence hydrates, soothes, and leaves skin looking plump without feeling greasy.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
31 Mar. 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
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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 built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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In addition to the missing sturdy bollards, which were under repair, the city’s portable steel barriers were in the down position during New Year’s celebrations, CNN previously reported.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumpy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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