as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship
had the spunk to overcome a severe physical disability
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spunk
Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.
—
Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
At the same time, fresh ideas emerging from young professionals light up communication strategies with spunk and vitality.
—Deepa Nagraj, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The winners likewise offered less spark and spunk than in many of the Oscars' best years.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Forever proud of her Irish heritage that provided her with spunk and beauty.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
At the same time, fresh ideas emerging from young professionals light up communication strategies with spunk and vitality.
—Deepa Nagraj, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The winners likewise offered less spark and spunk than in many of the Oscars' best years.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Forever proud of her Irish heritage that provided her with spunk and beauty.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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Trapped in the depths of the ocean, surrounded by sharks and with a ruthless enemy lurking above, Tatiana – the lead role played by Marano – must use all her wit and courage to survive and save her friends.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
17 July 2025
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True leadership courage lies in rallying teams around a noble cause and recognizing when identity has become a barrier to necessary evolution.—
Nate Bennett,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Agriculture is invented, only to wear down farmers’ teeth with grit from the stones used to mill grain.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
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Yes, that bag of grits that’s stashed away in your pantry.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Strengthening building codes and restricting development in high-risk areas will require similar fortitude.—
Tik Root,
Wired News,
26 July 2025
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Being the chair of the Freedom Caucus isn’t worth anything to Maryland if Harris doesn’t have the fortitude to stand up to the president, especially when Marylanders need help.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Larry loomed very large in their lives for a long time, so there was definitely a lot of bravery that people showed in coming forward to tell their truth.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
20 July 2025
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To come forward takes an extreme amount of bravery.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
16 July 2025
Noun
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Investing In Neurotechnology-Based Solutions: Emerging tools like neurofeedback (i.e., real-time brain training based on EEG data) are gaining interest as non-invasive methods to enhance focus, regulate emotions, and build attention stamina over time.—
Ofer Lidsky,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Casey ranks exceptionally high in stamina (94), strength (93) and injury (95), with a score closer to 99 indicating a player is less likely to get injured.—
Shaun Goodwin
July 14,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
Noun
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In just a matter of days, internet users have praised Hall's incredible determination, leading to over 4,100 comments so far.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
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There was something exhilarating about trekking next to people who knew nothing of my diagnosis, only my determination.—
Tess Moormans,
Travel + Leisure,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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