stumps 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of stump
1
2
as in dares
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat when my grandfather was a kid, he and his friends would stump one another to dive into the local swimming hole

Synonyms & Similar Words

stumps

2 of 2

noun

plural of stump

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 stumps
Verb
Ann Braunstein lives off of Hutchison Road where branches and stumps line her street as well. Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Learn more about why some stumps regrow and how to stop them. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 Turkey tail grows on dead logs and tree stumps in overlapping layers that resemble a wild bird’s plumage. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 Or arrange a bunch of tree stumps around a fire pit to create seating that the kids will love. Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 25 May 2026 Ancient artifacts found beneath Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as one mystery still stumps researchers. FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 David Hogg stumps for Mai Vang in 7th District primary. Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 In 1938, Pennington pitched a tent outside the hiring hall for workers building the Shasta Dam, set up some tree stumps for seats and started hawking grub. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Also, check rocks, stumps or logs before sitting down. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumps
Verb
  • The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In the clip, Dawkins shuffles out onto the field with no shirt, a pair of Crocs and a clear plastic bag ready to get the ol' inside-out treatment.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Even an ordinary staircase practically dares you to stare at it long enough to convince yourself something moved.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • All trash should be secured in a bag to control odors and keep flies away from food residues.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Traditional dyeing operations consume vast quantities of water and often leave behind wastewater containing chemical residues.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Achord bounces on his toes like an impatient little kid watching his guys work, stomps his right foot on the ground and vaults his right arm forward to demonstrate how someone should return a kick.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If anything, the dichotomy between the pop star who prances around Versailles in a sheer nightie and the pop star who stomps onstage in knee-high combat boots feels completely authentic and intentional.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Another challenges applicants to create a social media post about a food or flavor combination they're currently obsessed with.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This challenges the assumption that such behavior belongs to anyone’s true identity.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the 1990s, vestiges of the fallen New Religious Right began evolving to meet the moment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee were the only vestiges from the group that started behind Webb on opening day.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In the movie, the two actors first cross paths when Ledger’s character stumbles upon Bettany, who is fully naked, strolling through the streets after losing his clothes and money from gambling.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after, a young man stumbles towards Pat from the direction of the pub, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At the foot of the gulf, the village of Grimaud is crowned with remnants of a medieval castle, and its winding alleys are adorned with bright bougainvilleas.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Flooding from its remnants also caused at least 10 deaths in southern France, the hurricane center reported.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumps. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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