1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force
the store manager always asked the brawniest person there to do the heavy lifting
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sinewy
marked by a well-developed musculature
brawny arms that weren't developed in the gym but by years of work in the construction business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in athletic
strongly and heavily built
a tough little boy who's going to be a brawny man someday
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brawny
Sam might be the new Captain, but he’s refused to take the special serum that turned the once-scrawny Brooklyn boy Rogers into a beefy, brawny super-soldier, which just adds to the impostor syndrome.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025
There’s a steak on offer, a brawny New York strip, cooked to a perfect medium rare but presented, for some reason, next to a pile of vinegary sautéed red bell peppers, and a saucier of funky, fishy crawfish béarnaise.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
There are machines with brawny German beer maids, flawless Chinese geishas, Manchu emperors on golden buffalo.
—Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024
Their warm and wet climates couldn’t produce the brawny horses needed for their cavalries.
—David Chaffetz, Fortune Asia, 15 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for brawny
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025
There’s a steak on offer, a brawny New York strip, cooked to a perfect medium rare but presented, for some reason, next to a pile of vinegary sautéed red bell peppers, and a saucier of funky, fishy crawfish béarnaise.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
There are machines with brawny German beer maids, flawless Chinese geishas, Manchu emperors on golden buffalo.
—Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024
Their warm and wet climates couldn’t produce the brawny horses needed for their cavalries.
—David Chaffetz, Fortune Asia, 15 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for brawny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brawny
Adjective
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That muscular electric motor’s torque is the real difference that makes this E-class a worthy AMG tuner car for those who value the benefits of exemplary performance but don’t need a snarling beast of a high-performance car.—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Erectile tissue expands and contracts based on muscular action.—
Alice Jones Webb,
Outdoor Life,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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More pregame reading Kevin Willard’s power play becomes more potent with each Terps win | ANALYSIS Who will Maryland hire as its next athletic director?—
C.J. Doon,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2025
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Bob Davis, the longtime voice of Kansas Jayhawks basketball and football, has died, his family confirmed Friday via KU's athletic department.—
Chantz Martin,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Generosity is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate positive emotions.—
Shane Enete,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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Soldiers posted triumphant selfie videos at the entrance of the devastated palace, which overlooks the Nile River, after days of heavy fighting with the Rapid Support Forces, the powerful paramilitary group that the army is battling for control of Sudan.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This ceramic vase has a rugged, natural matte texture and measures 14.4 inches high, so it’s bound to be a statement piece on your table, mantle, etc.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
28 Mar. 2025
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Average or above skaters who can make plays and contribute to the rugged side of the game.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The burly Glover was a natural who never went to acting school or took an acting class — yet taught acting throughout his career, by most accounts quite effectively.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Mar. 2025
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Then, when Nationals manager Davey Martinez summoned a lefty to face Kyle Schwarber, the burly slugger smashed a first-pitch fastball.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Original price: $49.95 This portable mini speaker has mighty sound quality.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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This mighty keychain has a pull-top pin that, when removed, causes the keychain to release an ultra-loud 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light to help draw attention from onlookers while simultaneously deterring and confusing an attacker.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Set in 1987, Predator starts with Schwarzenegger's Dutch taking out guerrillas in the Central American jungle with his beefy battalion of soldiers — played by Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, Sonny Landham, and future director of The Predator, Shane Black.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 Mar. 2025
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Municipal bonds are already beloved by high-income investors, but those seeking additional yield and beefier returns are reaching for a little more risk.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brawny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brawny. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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