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

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

One of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics came early, when skier Lindsey Vonn delivered a gutsy performance for the ages by competing at 41 just a week after injuring her knee in a crash. — Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Through an aggressive and gutsy style of play, Nosková was then able to overpower Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win, en route to her inaugural Grand Slam semifinal appearance. — Takashi Williams, New York Times, 9 July 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