1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force
the lithe, sinewy body of the ballet company's leading male dancer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in brawny
marked by a well-developed musculature
the sinewy arms of the weight lifter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sinewy
Erivo enters in dark trousers and singlet, her body lean, sinewy, covered in tattoos, her head shorn, nose ringed, fingernails fiendishly extended, a vampire in waiting.
—
Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The steppe looks like a sinewy piece of yellow meat.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
The crowd is sinewy and sporty.
—Grainne McBride, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
This sinewy rock version was recorded by the band in 1975 at a show in New York and remains a live favorite.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinewy
Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The steppe looks like a sinewy piece of yellow meat.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
The crowd is sinewy and sporty.
—Grainne McBride, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
This sinewy rock version was recorded by the band in 1975 at a show in New York and remains a live favorite.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinewy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sinewy
Adjective
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When muscular coordination, breathing mechanics and mobility improve together, the compensations driving your symptoms can begin to resolve.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
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Alex Aster Announces New Barbie YA Novel As for Harlan Raker, the tall and muscular knight whom Aris hates, Aster doesn't need to see a new face.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Amid a drumbeat of disclosures that begin to exact consequences for some powerful people — particularly Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Britain's former Prince Andrew — Congress passed legislation to force the Justice Department to disclose its investigative files on Epstein.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The two women’s powerful, mysterious bond is sketched in sharp yet subtle dramatic strokes that are all the more thrilling for their breathless rapidity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sinewy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sinewy. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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