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

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

Their 2025 offseason acquisitions were mostly non-factors in the series, with the exception of Cam Johnson’s two gutsy elimination-game performances. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Because LeBron James hasn’t looked superhuman since playing those 45 minutes, including all five gutsy minutes of overtime. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 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