as in diminutive
of a size that is less than average
a pygmy elephant
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also pigmy
1
as in dwarf
a living thing much smaller than others of its kind
hummingbirds may be the pygmies of the avian world, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in number
a person of no importance or influence
regrettably, most of the candidates for the party's nomination that year were political pygmies
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pygmy
Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
This weekend’s public debut of twin six-month-old cubs at Ocean Park will serve as a litmus test, with hopes the bears will spark a viral moment similar to Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo in Thailand who took social media by storm last year and saw a flood of tourists visit her zoo.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 14 Feb. 2025
Common hippos usually give birth underwater, while pygmy hippo calves can be born on land or in water.
—Calvin Milliner, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Tupi's undeniable cuteness and quirky personality have turned the capybara into a viral sensation, helping boost visibility for the San Antonio Zoo during a time when zoos are eager to replicate the viral success of animals like Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pygmy
Noun
Together, Hook and Nivola learned that pygmy hippos like Moo Deng are not carnivores.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
This weekend’s public debut of twin six-month-old cubs at Ocean Park will serve as a litmus test, with hopes the bears will spark a viral moment similar to Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo in Thailand who took social media by storm last year and saw a flood of tourists visit her zoo.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 14 Feb. 2025
Common hippos usually give birth underwater, while pygmy hippo calves can be born on land or in water.
—Calvin Milliner, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Tupi's undeniable cuteness and quirky personality have turned the capybara into a viral sensation, helping boost visibility for the San Antonio Zoo during a time when zoos are eager to replicate the viral success of animals like Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo.
—Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pygmy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pygmy
Adjective
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The 2024 edition of this diminutive all-arounder—capable of gaming, media playback, and light productivity—sees an improvement in processing power over previous iterations thanks to the A17 Pro chip.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
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The button bush is not a diminutive plant, reaching up to 12 feet tall by 4 feet wide at maturity.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.—
Robert Higgs,
cleveland,
1 Feb. 2023
-
The dwarf variety grows to be about 5 to 7 feet, ideal for a small garden or accent in a room with limited space.—
Bryce Jones,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Jan. 2023
Noun
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Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has put up his usual numbers, averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists, and the Lakers are a serious contender.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In 2022, a consortium of private retirement-plan providers announced a collaboration to boost the portability of small retirement accounts.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The sheriff’s office handles homicide investigations for several smaller municipalities within the county.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Pour the sauce over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the shrimp and avocado are thoroughly coated.—
Janelle Davis,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2023
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Brine shrimp are a critical food source for the aquaculture industry.—
Evan Bush,
NBC News,
21 Jan. 2023
Noun
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The line, according to the brand, is inspired by nature and the packaging takes on wood textures, plants, insects and bold natural hues.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2025
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Cucumbers are relatively easy to grow but can be plagued by a variety of insect and disease pests.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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There were little tiny water bubbles around each of them.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most of the movie is a vaguely comical swipe at Napoleon in domestic life—an awkward lover, a jealous husband, an inveterate complainer, and in sum an annoying twerp.—
Kyle Smith,
WSJ,
21 Nov. 2023
-
Kind of a little twerp, now and again.—
Ashley Fetters Maloy,
Washington Post,
7 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Pygmy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pygmy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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