1
as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
dumpy little toddlers growing into lanky children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
we could only find rooms at a dumpy motel on the outskirts of the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumpy
In fact, it was released during the slightly less dumpy dump month of February — on February 13, 1991, with nationwide sneak previews on February 2, 1991.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2024
In the premiere, Martha is made to look as dumpy and pathetic—and then as unhinged—as possible.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The amazing thing is that, for all the history that came through its doors, KCR was a dumpy little studio with a broadcast board on the way out.
—Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2024
In the premiere, Martha is made to look as dumpy and pathetic—and then as unhinged—as possible.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The amazing thing is that, for all the history that came through its doors, KCR was a dumpy little studio with a broadcast board on the way out.
—Dante Ross, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2023
She’s not allowed to be anything more than the dumpy friend on TV.
—Sarah Madaus, SELF, 3 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumpy
Adjective
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At room temperature an individual piece can measure a stout 5 centimeters when stood upright on its end.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Cade Cunningham’s 36 points, stout defense subdue Knicks Where Red Wings assistant coach Trent Yawney goes, top young defensemen grow Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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City officials say failing lifeguard towers present two problems: Lifeguards could get injured inside a dilapidated structure, and the public could be at higher risk if lifeguards can’t effectively scan beaches and bays.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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The film follows three characters – a traditional beekeeper, a healer and a priest attempting to save a dilapidated church – and features archival material dating back to the 1930s.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, ceramides help to keep your skin tone plump and even.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
4 Apr. 2025
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This gooey essence hydrates, soothes, and leaves skin looking plump without feeling greasy.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Some who have tolerated a static image on a neglected part of their screen may not be as accepting of more distracting ad formats.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The heron turns out to be a stumpy man in a costume.—
Moeko Fujii,
The New Yorker,
2 May 2024
Adjective
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Torrez has a little Mike Tyson in him — a stocky 6-foot-2 steamroller who bullies his way inside with rib-crunching hooks.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Some of the more notable characteristics of the American Badger is its stocky body with very short and powerful legs.—
Stan Tekiela,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2024
Adjective
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It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Graham has a stubby build and some prospects are more athletic.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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Elephants, for instance, became tapirs, with stubby trunks and legs.—
Caroline Winterer / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumpy. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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