as in small
of a size that is less than average a puny, wrinkled apple

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Example Sentences

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 puny No man can give me any word but Wait , The puny light . A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, just single-handedly turned today’s sizeable selloff into something much more puny. Kelly Evans, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 But these would seem puny compared with some of the snake species that slithered on Earth millions of years ago. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2025 Looking at the entirety of his career, these little critical riddles are pretty puny. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
  • The Liberals' smallest lead was in a poll conducted by Innovative Research among 1,548 Canadian citizens, which showed the party with a lead of just 2 points, on 36 percent to the Conservatives' 34 percent—a lead within the poll's 3 percent margin of error.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Retail trade, which includes small and large clothing stores, lost 6,700 jobs, around 5,500 of which were not in department stores.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2024 edition of this diminutive all-arounder—capable of gaming, media playback, and light productivity—sees an improvement in processing power over previous iterations thanks to the A17 Pro chip.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The button bush is not a diminutive plant, reaching up to 12 feet tall by 4 feet wide at maturity.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One 2019 study from researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University and West Virginia University found little evidence that CDFI funding significantly boosts small business activity.
    Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • And despite the dynamic, positive feedback of the recovery, there is little evidence of fresh dollar inflows at this point.
    Guy Petcho, National Review, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Apply a tiny bit of water to the wonton edges with your finger.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Regular computers, including the one on your desk, think in tiny bits of information that are either a 1 or a 0—like flipping a light switch on or off.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.
    Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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