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
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Moo Deng’s ascendance turned a spotlight on pygmy hippos in general.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Though most common hippos give birth in water, pygmy hippos also can give birth on land.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Blood sweat is a pink fluid that pygmy hippos ooze out to keep cool in humid climates and to protect their skin from sunburns.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pygmy 
Noun
The zoo stated that pygmy hippos don't live in groups.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Moo Deng’s ascendance turned a spotlight on pygmy hippos in general.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Though most common hippos give birth in water, pygmy hippos also can give birth on land.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Blood sweat is a pink fluid that pygmy hippos ooze out to keep cool in humid climates and to protect their skin from sunburns.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pygmy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pygmy
Adjective
-
Tribute Series Roadster The Shelby Cobra is one of the most revered and storied automotive models in history, a diminutive titan that made an indelible mark in both motorsport and sports-car culture upon its debut.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Scale jumps from diminutive to oversized, often in a single room.—
Michael Boodro,
Architectural Digest,
17 Jan. 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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This, in turn, will result in the temporary layoff or permanent loss of a significant number of middle class jobs in communities throughout the country.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
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His scoring and rebounding numbers have improved all three seasons, from 11.0 points and 5.3 rebounds as a rookie to 12.9 points and 7.9 rebounds this season.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The pig’s mouth revealed its ordinary sharp, tusk-like canines saddled up beside smaller, slightly more human-looking teeth nubs.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
7 Feb. 2025
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Negative thinking focuses all our thoughts and energy inward which in turn creates a small and narrow focus.—
Sandy Thibault,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 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
-
Lice are parasitic insects that spread through close contact and require prompt treatment with medicated shampoos.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
2 Feb. 2025
-
Check previous plant additions for mites and insects.—
Tom MacCubbin,
Orlando Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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At this point, little is known about the contaminants lingering in the wildfire ash in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2025
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The post-election period has seen a rather dramatic fall off in MSNBC’s audience, likely as so many Democrats tuned out in post-election fatigue or little desire to watch Donald Trump savor his election victory.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 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
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Cite this Entry
“Pygmy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pygmy. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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