as in small
of a size that is less than average a puny, wrinkled apple

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of puny The rally in May is puny, though, compared to previous somewhat similar periods and that’s what El-Arian is noting in his comments. John Navin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Most of the major relationship milestones and potholes happen offscreen between the seasonal vacays, leaving us to find entertainment and meaning in the puny aftershocks. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025 And that means something in a Hollywood that now caters to puny screens and punier visions, outsourcing the finer mechanics of action filmmaking to the visual-effects department. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 May 2025 Vampire Survivors weighs in at a puny 600 megabytes. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puny
Adjective
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic and mix well.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Beyond providing an invitation for music-curious Austinites to come explore the clubs, the festival offers a lifeline to musicians and venues during the slow summer season, when small clubs that support emerging artists face some of their greatest challenges.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Over the past century, however, pollution, invasive species and excessive water pumping have destabilized the ecosystem, pushing the diminutive delta smelt toward extinction.
    Moira Donovan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
  • Hawkins is the revelation here, a diminutive, hippy-dippy monster.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • If Brookshire bounces back the next year, Schroth predicts there will be little reaction from neighbors.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • From returning carts to sharing smiles in the checkout line, shoppers often engage in little acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.
    Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Puny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puny. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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