1
as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
dumpy little toddlers growing into lanky children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
we could only find rooms at a dumpy motel on the outskirts of the city
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumpy
The amazing thing is that, for all the history that came through its doors, KCR was a dumpy little studio with a broadcast board on the way out.
—
Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
Yes, the mall is underperforming, and in the middle of the concourse, there are too many dumpy little kiosks selling souvenirs.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
Goloborodko’s once disappointed father (Viktor Saraykin) is suddenly beaming with pride and determined to renovate the family’s dumpy apartment in palatial style (and to evict neighboring tenants, until his wife objects).
—David Klion, The New Republic, 7 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
Yes, the mall is underperforming, and in the middle of the concourse, there are too many dumpy little kiosks selling souvenirs.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
Goloborodko’s once disappointed father (Viktor Saraykin) is suddenly beaming with pride and determined to renovate the family’s dumpy apartment in palatial style (and to evict neighboring tenants, until his wife objects).
—David Klion, The New Republic, 7 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumpy
Adjective
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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
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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
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City officials say failing lifeguard towers present two problems: Lifeguards could get injured inside a dilapidated structure, and the public could be at higher risk if lifeguards can’t effectively scan beaches and bays.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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The film follows three characters – a traditional beekeeper, a healer and a priest attempting to save a dilapidated church – and features archival material dating back to the 1930s.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
25 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
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By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Some who have tolerated a static image on a neglected part of their screen may not be as accepting of more distracting ad formats.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With the costume’s feet at knee-level, an elevated stage (and smoke machine) helped give the appearance that Klum was walking around on E.T.’s characteristically stumpy legs.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN,
1 Nov. 2024
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The heron turns out to be a stumpy man in a costume.—
Moeko Fujii,
The New Yorker,
2 May 2024
Adjective
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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
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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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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
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Dumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumpy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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