17 Other Ways to Say CHUNKY | Synonyms for Chunky (Examples)

Chunky is a word we often use to describe something thick, solid, or heavy. You might also hear words like bulky, plump, or hefty used in similar situations. Finding the right synonym can make your writing sound more fun and natural. In this article, we will explore 17 of the best synonyms for chunky and give examples for each one.

17 Different Ways to Say CHUNKY: Another Word for Chunky

Thick

Thick is a simple and easy way to describe something that has a lot of substance or width. It works well when you talk about liquids, fabrics, or even food. The word gives a clear image that something is not thin or weak. Thick is friendly and common in everyday speech, so it fits casual conversation naturally. You can also use it to describe objects or textures that feel heavy or full. This synonym keeps the meaning of chunky but in a more general sense. It can be used for both people and things, depending on context.

• The soup was so thick that it stuck to the spoon.
• She wore a thick sweater on the cold morning.
• His accent was thick and hard to understand.

Bulky

Bulky describes something large and heavy. It is perfect for items that take up space or feel hard to carry. Bulky keeps the sense of chunkiness but adds a focus on size and volume. This word works for clothing, furniture, or even people in a friendly way. Using bulky can make your description feel more visual, letting the reader imagine the object's size. It is casual but slightly more specific than just saying chunky.

• The package was bulky and hard to fit in the car.
• He bought a bulky coat for the winter.
• The old TV looked bulky on the table.

Stout

Stout is often used to describe something strong and solid. It fits well when talking about people, animals, or objects that are thick and dependable. Stout gives a sense of sturdiness, which is a nice twist on chunky. You can use it to show strength and reliability while keeping the size implication. It's a friendly word and works in casual conversations as well as in storytelling. Stout makes chunky sound more intentional and strong rather than just heavy.

• The chair was stout and could hold a lot of weight.
• He was a stout man with a kind smile.
• The bridge looked stout and safe to cross.

Stocky

Stocky usually describes someone or something short, wide, and strong. It keeps the chunky idea but adds a friendly, human-focused touch. You can use stocky when talking about people, animals, or even objects that feel solid and compact. It gives a more visual picture, like someone or something that is tightly built but not too tall. Stocky is perfect for casual conversations or descriptive writing when you want a vivid image.

• The boxer had a stocky build that made him strong.
• The dog was stocky but fast on its feet.
• He bought a stocky little bookshelf for the room.

Hefty

Hefty is a fun and casual way to show that something is big and heavy. It works well for food, packages, or people, keeping the chunky meaning alive. Hefty makes the object feel substantial and noticeable. You can also use it to suggest that something has impact or weight in a figurative sense. This synonym is playful, easy to use in everyday conversation, and very natural.

• She lifted a hefty bag of groceries easily.
• The book was hefty and filled with information.
• He gave a hefty handshake to greet his friend.

Plump

Plump focuses more on roundness and fullness than heaviness. It works well for people, fruits, animals, or objects that look soft and filled out. Plump gives a friendly, cute, and casual feeling. Using plump as a synonym for chunky emphasizes volume and shape, making your description more visual. It is ideal for lighthearted writing or talking about something appealing and full-bodied.

• The baby had plump cheeks that were adorable.
• She picked a plump tomato from the garden.
• The cat looked plump after eating all day.

Solid

Solid is about firmness and substance. It works for objects, structures, or even ideas that feel strong and dependable. Solid keeps the chunky idea but adds a sense of stability. You can use it in casual or formal contexts, making it flexible. Solid also gives a positive impression, as it feels reliable and substantial. This makes it a great synonym when you want chunky to sound strong and trustworthy.

• The table was solid and did not wobble.
• He gave a solid performance in the game.
• The chocolate bar was solid and satisfying.

Coarse

Coarse focuses on texture rather than size. It works for materials, skin, or food that feels rough or thick. Coarse keeps the chunky feeling but emphasizes a tactile experience. You can use it to describe something tangible and noticeable in texture. This synonym adds a sensory layer to your description, making your writing feel more detailed. Coarse works well in casual conversation or descriptive writing.

• The bread had a coarse texture that was satisfying to eat.
• His hands felt coarse after working outside.
• The sand on the beach was coarse and rough.

Lumpy

Lumpy emphasizes uneven shapes or irregular chunks. It is perfect for describing food, fabrics, or surfaces. Lumpy keeps the chunky essence but adds a sense of imperfection or fun. You can use it in casual settings to create a visual image that readers can relate to. Lumpy gives a friendly, natural feel and makes descriptions more interesting.

• The mashed potatoes were lumpy but delicious.
• She found a lumpy pillow on the couch.
• The dough was lumpy and hard to knead.

Massive

Massive focuses on size and weight. It works for objects, structures, or even people that feel very large. Massive keeps the chunky idea but makes it feel more impressive or powerful. You can use it when you want to create a dramatic visual. This synonym works well in casual storytelling or when emphasizing the importance of something big and noticeable.

• The building was massive and dominated the skyline.
• He carried a massive bag of tools.
• The dog looked massive next to the little cat.

Thickset

Thickset describes someone short, solid, and sturdy. It works mostly for people or animals and emphasizes compact strength. Thickset keeps the chunky meaning but adds a personal, visual element. You can use it in casual conversation or storytelling to show someone's strong build. It makes your description vivid and easy to imagine.

• The wrestler had a thickset frame that made him strong.
• The pony was thickset and powerful.
• He admired the thickset man lifting weights.

Substantial

Substantial emphasizes size, importance, or weight. It is flexible and can be used for objects, food, or abstract ideas. Substantial keeps the chunky feeling but adds a sense of significance. You can use it when you want to show that something is not only heavy but meaningful or noticeable. It is friendly, versatile, and works in casual and professional contexts.

• She received a substantial gift from her friend.
• The meal was substantial and filling.
• He made a substantial effort to finish the project.

Compact

Compact focuses on tightness and density rather than length. It works for objects or spaces that are small but full. Compact keeps the chunky essence but emphasizes efficiency and tightness. You can use it to show something solid and well-organized. This synonym is friendly, simple, and works in everyday speech or writing.

• The car was compact but comfortable inside.
• He bought a compact blender for the kitchen.
• The suitcase was compact and easy to carry.

Fleshy

Fleshy highlights softness and fullness. It works for fruits, vegetables, or body parts. Fleshy keeps the chunky feel but emphasizes roundness and substance. It gives a slightly tactile, natural image that readers can picture. This synonym is casual, descriptive, and adds a friendly, down-to-earth tone to your writing.

• The peach was fleshy and sweet.
• The plant had fleshy leaves.
• The fish had a fleshy texture that was perfect for grilling.

Rotund

Rotund describes someone or something round and full. It is friendly and visual, emphasizing curves and fullness. Rotund keeps the chunky meaning but adds a playful or elegant touch. You can use it to describe people, animals, or objects in a fun way. It is casual, clear, and easy for readers to picture.

• The man was rotund and cheerful.
• She admired the rotund pumpkin at the market.
• The cat had a rotund belly from eating too much.

Meaty

Meaty focuses on substance and richness. It works for food, objects, or figurative ideas. Meaty keeps the chunky sense but adds weight and satisfaction. It is casual, friendly, and often used in conversations about food or discussions with strong content. Using meaty makes something feel filling and valuable.

• The burger was meaty and delicious.
• He gave a meaty explanation that covered everything.
• The steak was meaty and juicy.

Burly

Burly emphasizes strong and heavy physical presence. It works for people or animals with a solid build. Burly keeps the chunky idea but adds strength and size. You can use it in casual conversation to describe someone friendly but large and strong. Burly is playful and gives your writing a vivid picture.

• The burly man helped carry the boxes.
• The dog looked burly but gentle.
• He admired the burly construction worker lifting beams.

Table of Synonyms for Chunky

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect synonym for chunky in your writing or conversation. Using words like bulky, plump, stout, or hefty can make your descriptions more vivid and fun. Each synonym adds a slightly different flavor, so you can pick the one that fits best. Using these alternatives will make your writing feel natural, friendly, and easy to understand.