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
Inside, Boxing the Compass, a nautical term for changing direction and reversing course, sounds as if 44 years never passed since Haircut 100 first made their rounds with a spectrum of pop, soul, funk, and jazz. — Tina Eves, SPIN, 1 July 2026 In Southhall, 22-year-old Kuljit Bhamra was using the first Roland synthesizer created and a CR-8000 drum machine to make disco and funk beats. — Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 27 June 2026
Verb
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 Mason McTavish and Alex Killorn each burst out of their respective scoring funks with two-goal efforts, and Frank Vatrano also tallied. — Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 24 Jan. 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 overwhelming stench lingered for weeks, and health officials routinely reminded Kansas Citians that the odor did not carry any disease.
    — Kansas City Public Library staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Lineage officials said that their top priority as of Monday night was addressing the stench permeating over Boyle Heights due to the spoiled food.
    — Austin Turner, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • That’s the sign of a true coward.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • Fishback showed up at a Donalds campaign event in Lake City on Saturday with a bunch of supporters, shouting through a bullhorn that Donalds was a coward for not debating him and telling him to go back to New York, a reference to Donalds’ childhood in Brooklyn.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • Allen kept up unmatchable energy, even when the rain came and forced him to duck behind his suede hat while singing.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 5 July 2026
  • Collin Morikawa birdied 18 to catch Scheffler and ducked into the clubhouse at 20 under as the rains descended upon the TPC River Highlands.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • Buffalo chicken is always a crowd-pleasing flavor profile, and this enchilada-style casserole makes the most of its telltale spice and tang.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
  • Stir chicken, blueberries, and red bell pepper into the mixture.
    — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • Other methods to reduce the harm from sweltering temperatures include more breaks and flexible shifts so workers can avoid the midday sun, according to the WHO.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • While the morning may feel personal — especially if someone questions your judgment, appearance or direction — avoid treating their feedback (or silence) as rejection.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Continue reading … POLITICS HEARTLAND HERO — Patriotic woman fills void after Dem gov shuns America's 250th birthday bash.
    — , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The tech trade hit a rocky patch last month, with the group sliding 3% as traders shunned software names and the Magnificent Seven .
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
  • This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Read's team says that certain witnesses in the case – including the McCabe and Albert families, and Trooper Brian Tully – are dodging depositions by their team.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • And then there are the access bridges for pedestrians and vehicles at many circuits — the drone has to dodge above these, which also complicates how it can’t be used near spectators.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 30 June 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 9 Jul. 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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