NUBBY Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

nubby

adjective

ˈnə-bē

Definition of nubby

as in nubbly

having small pieces or lumps spread throughout a nubby yarn that produces bumpy fabrics when woven

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smooth

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nubby The piece fell to her ankles in a soft, pale pink fabric with a nubby, plush surface and a structured collar. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026 Why else show nubby fleece trousers with a coordinating striped jacket, which nobody needs but would be a hoot to wear? — Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 Textural, nubby and practical, this sweater is an instant classic. — Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026 The sandstone bouclé brings a soft, nubby texture that adds warmth without feeling heavy, and the low profile keeps the whole piece looking clean. — Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nubby

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nubby

Adjective

Lifting the lid revealed a small tart topped with a tongue of Spanish sea urchin, resting on a nubbly bed of cancha nuts.

— Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025

Definition of nubbly

Adjective

Over months or even years of nightly use, even a once-plush, supportive pillow can become compressed, lumpy, and uncomfortable.

— Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
Named for the son of the Greek god Ares, Deimos, which means dread in ancient Greek, is a small, lumpy rock shaped like a potato.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of lumpy

Adjective

Even during the rut, Infalt shoots most of his mature bucks in the thick stuff near where deer sleep.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
The evidence suggests that back then a thicker, ancient atmosphere sheltered flowing streams and sparkling lakes.

— Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

The bag also absorbs some of the excess moisture, and moisture is the enemy that causes clumpy bits of flour mixture on the chicken’s skin.

— Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Definition of clumpy

Browse Nearby Words

nubbly

nubby

nubile

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubby. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nubby

adjective

Example Sentences

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