Definitions

puny

[pyoo-nee] / ˈpju ni /

ADJECTIVE

small, insignificant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

feeble frail inconsequential measly paltry tiny trivial

WEAK

diminutive fragile half-pint inferior infirm little minor niggling nothing peanut peewee petty picayune piddling pint-sized runt shrimp small time small-fry stunted trifling two-bit unconsequential underfed undersized undeveloped unsound unsubstantial weak weakly wee worthless zero zilch

Antonyms

STRONGEST

important significant strong

WEAK

big giant huge large

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the top, Whittaker wrote later, he felt frail and puny.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Climate change is what philosopher Timothy Morton calls a hyperobject: something that so massively occupies space and time that our puny primate brains have trouble fathoming them.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2025

That's a contrast to most stadium concerts, where the message is more like: "Look upon me, puny mortals, and be astonished by my divine talents and somewhat improbable physique."

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

Los Angeles had recently passed Chicago to become America’s second city, but it still felt far behind with its puny skyline, suburban sprawl and relative lack of cultural sophistication.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2024

You was so puny when you was bom you nearly worried us crazy.

From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Vocabulary lists containing puny

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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List 13

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Beowulf vocabulary

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