funk 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈfəŋk How to pronounce funk (audio)
Definition of funknext
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell the overpowering funk of rotten meat emanated from the garbage bin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

funk

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in coward
a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger he may be a strong, athletic guy, but he's a real funk when it comes to donating blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

funk

3 of 3

verb

as in to duck

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of funk
Noun
There is plenty of hilarious autotune, post-war French dark cabaret, traditional musical theater fare and some steamy disco-like funk energy. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 Has the two-time All-Star fully emerged from his season-long funk? — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
This public artwork and its function — as in, this party and the space’s purpose — feels like a mirror, a temple to self, a shrine to funk, a dedication and invitation to experience what is still so divine and aspirational about the present moment. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Music fans are still mourning the death of legendary singer D’Angelo and lauding how the vastness of his musical experiences, from gospel to funk to soul, permeates his catalog. — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for funk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for funk
  1. stench
  2. coward
  3. duck
  4. chicken
  5. avoid
  6. shun
  7. shake
  8. dodge
Noun
  • The stench, a byproduct of papermaking, eased years ago with the installation of air-scrubbing equipment and went away completely in September when International Paper closed the mill after 90 years of operation.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • Her main concern is about the noxious stench of rotting food.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • That’s the sign of a true coward.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • To win a second four-year term, Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins is running as a fighter against bad development and against ducking tough decisions.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Martin allegedly had both hands on the child's torso when officers found him and was trying to duck down and hide between the seats, according to the warrant cited by the outlet.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • During business class meal service on the international flight, Smyth claims she was served a chicken satay on a wooden skewer.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • No one wants their buffalo chicken dip seeping into their spinach dip.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • This basic primer avoids specific military tactics, instead offering general advice for non-military personnel.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Saudi Arabia is getting pulled further into the Middle East conflict, conducting joint strikes with the US against Iraq this week – despite the kingdom having spent months trying to avoid deeper involvement.
    — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Gwen champions an immersive dining experience, weathering external crises and shunning delivery apps.
    — Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Tankers are shunning the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening a lifeline for Saudi Arabia’s crude exports during the Strait of Hormuz’s closure; Asian refiners are eyeing the one-month-longer trip through the Suez Canal.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • The heat now poses an additional danger to residents still shaken by the quake, many of whom are sleeping in their cars after their homes were damaged or destroyed.
    — Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Chad Gable and Penta shook hands as Gable’s family watched from ringside.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • For years, physicists have dreamed of optical chips where light can race around corners and dodge defects without losing information.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the day, teenagers would dash onto the beach, dodging officers before diving back into the water.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of dodge

Browse Nearby Words

fungicides
funk
funked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Funk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/funk. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on funk

Nglish: Translation of funk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funk

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