RUNT Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

runt

noun

ˈrənt

Definition of runt

as in dwarf

something (such as an animal) much smaller than others of its kind one kitten was definitely the runt, weighing only six ounces at birth

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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 runt Schuster-Koloamatangi, who’s a native New Zealander, plays Dek, the franchise’s first Yautja protagonist, and as the runt of his Predator clan, he’s been completely written off by his father. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 Seen as the runt of his clan, Dek has something to prove. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025 College football’s eternal doormat, the runt of the SEC’s original litter, had earned time in the national spotlight. — Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025 Imagine a second straight year of Bama righting the season by beating Georgia — and then immediately losing to the SEC's longtime runt. — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for runt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for runt

Noun

The image, captured a year earlier by the Hubble Space Telescope, showed UGC 9050-Dw1, a dwarf galaxy some 115 million light-years from Earth.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Watching all ten members sing at once is funny the way the seven dwarves all sleeping in their little beds next to each other is funny.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dwarf

Noun

The more common nickname, El Mencho, is said to be a diminutive of his first name, Nemesio.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Another gender-neutral name that had a burst of popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Jamie was a go-to for girls or a diminutive of James for boys.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Noun

Russian drones hit three major distribution centers, destroying depots belonging to a toy store chain and a confectionery company, and damaging another run by an electronics retailer, the companies said.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Cullen’s voice gave a sense of gravitas and importance to what many (adults) at the time considered a half hour toy ad.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026