1
as in stout
being compact and broad in build and often short in stature
dumpy little toddlers growing into lanky children
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Torry’s candidly dumpy, dingy, dated, wood panel lined courtroom allowed for the placement of contemporary art and the banging of nails into walls which would have been forbidden in one of the ornate ground floor courtrooms.
—
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
The Slip concerns sixteen-year-old Nathaniel Rothstein, a dumpy sad sack who, after getting into a fight at school, is sent to live with his uncle in Austin for the summer of 1998.
—Lucas Schaefer
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
At the start of the production, when Blanche arrives at her sister’s dumpy apartment, a lithe young man (Jabez Sykes) contorts himself in abstract choreography.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
In context, Franklin was critiquing a rather dumpy drawing of an eagle lacking a regal beak by the Society of the Cincinnati, which had adopted the nation’s bird as its symbol.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
The Slip concerns sixteen-year-old Nathaniel Rothstein, a dumpy sad sack who, after getting into a fight at school, is sent to live with his uncle in Austin for the summer of 1998.
—Lucas Schaefer
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
At the start of the production, when Blanche arrives at her sister’s dumpy apartment, a lithe young man (Jabez Sykes) contorts himself in abstract choreography.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
In context, Franklin was critiquing a rather dumpy drawing of an eagle lacking a regal beak by the Society of the Cincinnati, which had adopted the nation’s bird as its symbol.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumpy
Adjective
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The stout bull-white form of São João Batista church, the second oldest in Brazil, overlooks the rolling Atlantic.—
Stephanie Rafanelli,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
His responsibilities — stout defense, ball security — in Cronin’s offense became clearer.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.—
Brendan Murray,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The rooms Supremely comfy, with no gimmicky surprises — just proper, old-school amenities, the plumpest beds and (16 types of) pillows, and gleaming bathrooms decked in mottled marble.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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Start with plump rhizomes, sprout them in warmth and humidity, then plant in well-draining soil.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The department issued heavy fines and ultimately shuttered a neglected building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood last year that was owned by CBZ Management.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The narrative highlights the growing, unseen populations of lonely and neglected individuals, shedding light on a vital but often ignored aspect of public care.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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This adorable costume looks poised to rule over The Masked Singer stage with a flick of her paw and a wag of her stumpy tail.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Jan. 2026
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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
Adjective
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While the Heat over the years have succeeded with smaller guards, the majority of success stories with those of diminutive stature are those with stockier builds, such as Tim Hardaway, Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry or even current bulldog Davion Mitchell.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Sturdy Seat The Chisel Lounge Chair by HAY is a delightfully stocky option.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Limiting Saturn enters your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, encouraging careful budgets and sturdy values.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Look for strong sturdy leaves that have a nice shape and that are rooted well in the soil.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Cushions on all sides dial up the comfort factor, and the short, stubby legs keep things grounded in more ways than one.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
22 Jan. 2026
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There’s a real love-is-dead moment when Yas spots Cordelia, who was just rhapsodizing about the purity of her romance with a younger man, literally on her knees before a stubby, old rich guy.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumpy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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