gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

1

: marked by courage, pluck, or determination

a gutsy little fighter

a gutsy decision

2

a

: expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions

gutsy macho talk

gutsy country blues

b

: rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated

a gutsy soup

a rich gutsy wine

gutsily

ˈgət-sə-lē 

adverb

gutsiness noun

Synonyms of gutsy

• adventurous
• courageous
• daring
• brave
• fearless
• bold

Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

That was a very gutsy decision.

a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court

Recent Examples on the Web

Any number of other Knicks played the hero, willing the team to a gutsy victory, showing sudden grit after so many easy blowouts. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026

The second half was a mere formality, and the Sixers are headed home after a gutsy 3-1 series comeback to beat Boston in the first round. —CBS News, 10 May 2026

Here’s to Hathaway — from worst to best — and all her gutsy glory. —Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Here’s hoping village officials and the gutsy developers taking over this underperforming eyesore get it right and thrive in the future. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gutsy

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

: aggressively tough : courageous

a gutsy decision

a gutsy hockey player

gutsiness noun