as in small
of a size that is less than average
a puny, wrinkled apple
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Recent Examples of puny
For weeks voter polls have found that three Democrats are locked in a tie, albeit at a puny level, around 10%, while the other five Democrats are buried in single digits.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
And unlike most electrics that try their best to look the part but offer relatively puny power figures, the STRiX boasts impressive horsepower figures in addition to the high torque that comes as a byproduct of electric motors.
—New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026
By contrast, the G-Wiz is comparatively puny.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
Steve Rogers grows up in Brooklyn as a puny but resolute child.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puny
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
And unlike most electrics that try their best to look the part but offer relatively puny power figures, the STRiX boasts impressive horsepower figures in addition to the high torque that comes as a byproduct of electric motors.
—New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026
By contrast, the G-Wiz is comparatively puny.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
Steve Rogers grows up in Brooklyn as a puny but resolute child.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
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The National Federation of Independent Business has warned that small businesses and consumers who rely on energy, rather than oil giants, will end up holding the bag.—
Yaël Ossowski,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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But as funding from cap-and-invest and the climate bond dwindle, the state must increasingly turn to Cal Fire, which devotes only a small portion of its budget to mitigation work.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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Winifried — whose preferred diminutive, also the name of the demon inside her, is Fred, not Winnie — isn’t the one being spooked here.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
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That is what these playoffs have provided for Hutson, allowing more eyeballs to take in the well-roundedness of his game despite his diminutive size and his flashy offensive skills that can often divert the attention of those eyeballs elsewhere.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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Below, shop the best little black dresses inspired by Michele’s posh, minimalist look for under $60 at Amazon, including knee-length, midi, and maxi options.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
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More than 100 little, laughing faces were yelling thank you.—
Brian Lamar,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Adjective
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Keep scrolling for tiny travel essentials that'll fit right in your personal item.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
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These migratory aerial acrobats need a lot of energy to beat their tiny wings so fast.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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