nubby

adjective

ˈnə-bē How to pronounce nubby (audio)
Definition of nubbynext
as in nubbly
having small pieces or lumps spread throughout a nubby yarn that produces bumpy fabrics when woven

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Microfiber absorbs four times more moisture than cotton and the nubby texture grabs and holds onto soil until it is washed away. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 Textural, nubby and practical, this sweater is an instant classic. — Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026 Beyond batter and dough, nut flours lend delicate flavor and nubby texture to drinks such as a horchata, help thicken sauces, and make a creamy and decadent pastry layer. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Inside, there’s a unique two-tone color split for throne-like front seats and rear jump seats, with standard Dinamica—akin to nubby Alcantara—dressing seat inserts and door trim. — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nubby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nubby
  1. nubbly
  2. lumpy
  3. thick
  4. chunky
  5. clumpy
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
  • Bequest giving has always been lumpy — a handful of nine-figure estates can move the number.
    — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • And when blended, its polarizing lumpy texture totally disappears and helps thicken the smoothie.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026
Definition of lumpy
Adjective
  • The combination makes strands thicker, fuller, stronger, frizz-free, and softer—and thus, longer with less shedding and breakage.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The brown, round cookie has arms and legs, one eyebrow thicker than the other, and one buck tooth.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of thick
Adjective
  • Stewart wore hers with a chunky pearl choker, red pants, and white sandals for a patriotic look, but the top’s styling potential is endless.
    — Claire West, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The slim profile is a nice distraction from the chunky dad sneakers that dominated the previous season.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of chunky
Adjective
  • 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
  • Using a vegetable peeler, shave a modest amount of Parmesan onto a plate (a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing).
    — Sue Li, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 June 2026
Definition of clumpy

Browse Nearby Words

nubbly
nubby
nubile
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubby. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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