gut check

noun

: a test or assessment of courage, character, or determination

Examples of gut check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grassroots gut check Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson speaks at the first rally of his general election campaign at Meadows at Mossy Creek in Cleveland last month. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

This is another gut check of how far anti-incumbent sentiment is spreading in safely Democratic seats; Smith went on Breaking Points last month to defend himself and accuse Israel critics of being abusive. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

That gut check works for most decisions. — Vinay Kuruvila, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

But a week full of gut checks resulted in the biggest win in club history thus far. — Idaho Statesman, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gut check

• aztec
• breakneck
• codec
• exec
• mixtec
• paycheck
• pinchbeck
• recheck
• redneck
• toltec
• beck
• breck