spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē How to pronounce spunky (audio)
spunkier; spunkiest
Synonyms of spunky
: full of spunk : spirited
spunkily
ˈspəŋ-kə-lē How to pronounce spunky (audio)
adverb
spunkiness
ˈspəŋ-kē-nəs How to pronounce spunky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of spunky

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Examples of spunky in a Sentence

a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The world’s most famous doll was inspired by a spunky, high-end call girl named Lilli. — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026 In the candid image, Louis, now 8, showed off a glimpse of his signature spunky personality. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026 Houk won $100 in a university contest for her unusual spunky character, which has a tough-guy body under his sun flare for a head. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Susan was a spunky fan favorite on the inaugural Golden Bachelor season. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spunky

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spunky was in 1786

Rhymes for spunky

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Browse Nearby Words

spunkiness
spunky
spun rayon
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Cite this Entry

“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spunky. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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