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 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 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 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 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

The public promenade that wraps around the bay in front of the hotel invites walkers, runners, and bikers to explore the historic pathway that leads to the thick, lush pine forest at the edge of the sea.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Bake chicken until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–30 minutes.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of thick

Adjective

Whether worn with chunky knits, crisp button-downs, or sleek leather separates, these tactile pieces create effortlessly chic outfits that look timeless yet completely on trend.

— InStyle, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026
Dianese Most vests include a chunky battery to power the accident detection and deployment system.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of chunky

Adjective

The even mixing of the isotopes suggests that it was formed from fine dust grains rather than clumpy, coarser material.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Sep. 2026
The clam chowder is perfectly balanced and not at all clumpy or overly thickened, and the lobster roll is one of the best in all of Boston.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nubby

adjective

Example Sentences

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