gutsy

1 of 2

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

gutsiness

2 of 2

noun

gut·​si·​ness

ˈgətsēnə̇s, 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being gutsy

Synonyms of gutsy

Adjective

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

Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

Adjective

That was a very gutsy decision.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Rivera showcased immense resilience, posting a high beam score on Friday, then delivering a gutsy bars routine, a season-high beam, and a strong floor performance on Sunday. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Boston’s trade for Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is probably the gutsiest move at the deadline. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Rallying the independent and moderate Republican base behind Cox to try to push him across the finish line goes beyond a gutsy call. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026

Each sentence is diamond cut … Buntin has outdone herself … leases and provokes from every vantage point, but what is especially remarkable is Buntin’s audacity, her gutsy choices, and her clarity. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

gutsy + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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