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 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
  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
  • For light, moist muffins, mix batter gently by hand until slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to prevent dryness and uneven texture.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Stage nine had been highlighted as an opportunity for breakaway riders, featuring 3,300m of climbing over a lumpy parcours — with all the classified climbs preserved in the final 100km of the route.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of lumpy
Adjective
  • Swathes of those still standing are marked for death, their fate written like braille in the form of scores of tiny holes — no thicker than a dot left by a ballpoint pen — beneath the bark.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Eastern handles are shorter and thicker, catering more to those who use a Penhold grip, where the head of the paddle is facing down and the paddle is held like a pen.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of thick
Adjective
  • Fresh off his wedding with Taylor Swift in New York City, Madison Square Garden on July 3, the tight end was spotted rocking a new piece of jewelry—a chunky gold wedding band.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Korean skin-care brand shot to fame with its Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, a chunky pink stick that became nearly as recognizable for its K-drama cameos as for its skin-care benefits.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of chunky
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

“Nubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubby. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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