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.

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

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

Within five years, the firm was looking after $165 billion compared with the puny $20 billion that its departing investors had left behind them on the way out the door at the bubble-market highs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

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

The winds of a Category 5 hurricane on our puny little planet can exceed 150 miles per hour.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2024

"Lions, a couple of puny lions should scare me, eh?" he said.

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios

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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