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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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pygmy
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
There are several types of mice, but the most common include house, deer, African pygmy, and field.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
Videos and photos of the baby pygmy garnered millions of views on social media.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The pygmies always come back to their feeding tree, though.
—Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pygmy
Noun
The species — a type of toothed whale and close relative of the pygmy sperm whale — is believed to be a rare visitor to Australian waters.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
There are several types of mice, but the most common include house, deer, African pygmy, and field.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
Videos and photos of the baby pygmy garnered millions of views on social media.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The pygmies always come back to their feeding tree, though.
—Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pygmy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pygmy
Adjective
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While diminutive, his many admirers would call him an intellectual giant.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
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Patty Maloney, the diminutive actress known for her work with actor Billy Barty and for her role on the cult classic Star Wars Holiday Special, died March 31, her manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.—
Robert Higgs,
cleveland,
1 Feb. 2023
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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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Those numbers rose to 82% among Republicans and 95% among Democrats if the ruling came from the Supreme Court.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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The analysis of individual events produces smaller, but still striking numbers.—
John Timmer,
ArsTechnica,
23 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
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Even the smallest black dot of mold can affect your health by causing respiratory illnesses or triggering certain allergic reactions from breathing it in constantly.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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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Obstetricians say, at the end of the day, AFE is really just a product of bad luck, and there's little that can be done to prevent it.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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In it is an über-posh upholstered bed—a slightly ironic addition for a professional who seems to leave little time for rest.—
Mel Studach,
Architectural Digest,
24 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
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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 29 Apr. 2025.
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