as in small
of a size that is less than average
a puny, wrinkled apple
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puny
Advertisement Samuel has long been considered one of the top rushing threats among receivers, but this season he’s rushed 32 times for just 92 yards, a puny 2.9 yard average.
—
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Also Read Beyoncé Shares Loving Message to Blue Ivy Ahead of Acting Debut
Plant something simple in the dirt, like acoustic guitar and voice, and see what clambers out and what swarm of biota clings to it, each protist adding its own puny but inexhaustible voice.
—Ron Hart, SPIN, 9 Dec. 2024
That opportunity presents itself in puny Dmitri, whose kidnapping proves a perfect lure.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
Its victories and complications remain modest developments, puny by typical TV standards and monumental on the scale of everyday life (a divorce, a storm, a tough conversation, a death).
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for puny 
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Also Read Beyoncé Shares Loving Message to Blue Ivy Ahead of Acting Debut
Plant something simple in the dirt, like acoustic guitar and voice, and see what clambers out and what swarm of biota clings to it, each protist adding its own puny but inexhaustible voice.
—Ron Hart, SPIN, 9 Dec. 2024
That opportunity presents itself in puny Dmitri, whose kidnapping proves a perfect lure.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
Its victories and complications remain modest developments, puny by typical TV standards and monumental on the scale of everyday life (a divorce, a storm, a tough conversation, a death).
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
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Is what he’s done a small sample size thing or something more?—
James Mirtle,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
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No matter if they’re labeled green, farmers’ or artisans’ markets, the gatherings are a source of one-stop shopping for specialty goods that help patrons kick their cooking up a notch while also supporting small businesses.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Decent connectivity and communication round out this diminutive Chromebook's feature set, including two USB Type-C ports (used for charging), a headphone jack, and front and rear cameras.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PCMAG,
6 Feb. 2025
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Despite its diminutive size, the Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Translator is pretty capable.—
Séamus Bellamy,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Dalia is now aged nine and, up until 2021, had little experience of shelter life, which would have no doubt made the change a shock to the system.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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The after: alone in a quiet kitchen, rinsing out wine glasses and marveling over how little the whole thing cost me.—
Kendra Vaculin,
Bon Appétit,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The gals at Always Booked put together the most fantastic event down to the tiniest detail.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA TODAY,
9 Feb. 2025
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As far as we’re concerned, the fact that so much cleaning power can be packed into those tiny dishwashing pods is pure magic.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Thesaurus Entries Near puny
Cite this Entry
“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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