as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
seven stubby little fellows carried the sleeping Snow White back to their home in a cave
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 stubby
Judge Reinhold, as an overly genteel young detective whom Foley brings into the adult world, and John Ashton, as Reinhold’s surly, stubby older partner, carry a burden as big as Murphy’s through the second half of the picture.
—
David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2024
Simplicity, understood like this, is complexity well tended, just as a long, graceful line is a collection of stubby ones, tamed but not deadened.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
If the nail looks short and stubby, the cat has been keeping up with its nails enough on its own.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024
Since humans evolved to care for our young, research suggests we’re drawn to infantile features in other animals, like big eyes, round cheeks and stubby limbs.
—Hannah Richter, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for stubby 
David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2024
Simplicity, understood like this, is complexity well tended, just as a long, graceful line is a collection of stubby ones, tamed but not deadened.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
If the nail looks short and stubby, the cat has been keeping up with its nails enough on its own.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024
Since humans evolved to care for our young, research suggests we’re drawn to infantile features in other animals, like big eyes, round cheeks and stubby limbs.
—Hannah Richter, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for stubby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubby
Adjective
-
North Reading’s strength lies in its stout man-to-man defense.—
Matt Feld,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2025
-
The Chiefs, behind a ball-control offense and stout defense, went 15-2 in the regular season to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The heron turns out to be a stumpy man in a costume.—
Moeko Fujii,
The New Yorker,
2 May 2024
Adjective
-
This type of dolphin with its stocky body and bulbous head can weigh as much as 1,100 pounds and reach up to 13 feet long.—
NBC Bay Area staff,
NBC News,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Despite their stocky size, these large mammals can really move.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This lends a more expensive feel, resulting in a sturdy tablet without being thick or heavy, at 0.3 inch thick and 1.2 pounds.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PCMAG,
6 Feb. 2025
-
This sturdy sideboard is equal parts functional and stylish.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Get The Recipe 09 of 25 Lemony Shrimp Pasta Flex your cooking expertise with this stunning pasta, featuring plump pink shrimp, sweet fennel, and fresh basil.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2025
-
The Allure editor favorite and Reader’s Choice Award winner blends hyaluronic acid with natural lipids and other moisturizing factors—including amino acids and electrolytes—all designed to give the skin a plump, dewy look.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
24 Jan. 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
Thesaurus Entries Near stubby
Cite this Entry
“Stubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubby. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share