Definitions

puny

[pyoo-nee] / ˈpyu 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.

But unlike that Oscar winner, “Two Prosecutors” has a man of conscience at its center — a confident crusader who becomes increasingly puny in the face of Stalin’s Soviet Union.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

More often, he is a reckoning, reminding us of how puny we are in nature’s schemes.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

Sticking with puny but potent items: Lego unveiled its Smart Play system, which incorporates bricks stuffed with mini computers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Some senior Labour figures fret privately that their talk of "missions" and a "Plan for Change" might seem puny to many in comparison with the scale of that challenge.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

I am hundreds of years old, and she is just a puny few-years-old people.

From "The Unfinished Angel" by Sharon Creech

Vocabulary lists containing puny

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 13

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!