spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē 

spunkier; spunkiest

: full of spunk : spirited

spunkily

ˈspəŋ-kə-lē 

adverb

spunkiness

ˈspəŋ-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of spunky

• fiery
• spirited
• passionate
• peppery
• brisk

Examples of spunky in a Sentence

a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation

Recent Examples on the Web

As for her birth story, Lockwood says her smart and spunky 5-year-old daughter knows it all. — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Zann eventually got a call from casting director Meredith Layne and a screenplay with lines that were instantly familiar from her time voicing Rogue, the spunky heroine whose touch can be deadly, in the ‘90s. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

The spunky comedy streaming service couldn’t hit the mainstream enough to attract voters, despite some very funny programming. — William Earl, Variety, 8 July 2026

Maki is spunky and more tomboy-ish, while Omura is the more straightlaced and serious of the two. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spunky

• chunky
• funky
• hunky
• junkie
• monkey

Kids Definition

spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē 

spunkier; spunkiest

: full of spunk : spirited

spunkily

-kə-lē 

adverb

spunkiness

-kē-nəs 

noun