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
Who knew that go-go, a percussion-heavy funk subgenre, is Washington’s official music? — Andrew Trunsky, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 The funk and rock sounds fight against ever-encroaching mud and hiss; pretty melodies are offset by punishing bass or rendered disorienting by creative panning in the mix. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 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
  • Despite its sulfuric stench, in a stroke of absolute luck, this meteorite crashed into the right house.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026
  • In the mornings, our counselors still walk, slowly now, through the stench of bodies decomposing under the ruins of schools, mosques, and homes.
    — James Gordon, Time, 14 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 pretend otherwise, and to accuse everyone who points to these difficult trade-offs of bad faith, is to duck a confrontation with the deepest problems of politics and policy.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • By contrast with physical products, policymakers now tend to duck difficult conversations about what to do with addictive services or experiences like gambling and video games.
    — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • The first 100 guests will receive a free two-piece chicken-leg and thigh meal — no purchase necessary, only available inside the restaurant.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
  • In the United States alone, at least 174 million chickens have been killed.
    — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • Arsenal sustained multiple injuries in the goalkeeping department last year, with Manuela Zinsberger sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament issue, and want to avoid a similar situation.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Jones hopes the study finds improvements to the current system Charlotte Water works under, and that the state avoids overinvesting into industries that take up a lot of water such as data centers.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Those cards originated with Pinta, who launched a campaign in 2022 to send holiday cards to people in the LGBTQ+ community who’ve been shunned by their families.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • But while Giger achieved international fame, Ruppert shunned the spotlight and gradually faded into obscurity.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • Penta went for a Mexican Destroyer on the apron, but Rusev shook him off as the heels took control.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Keegan was not interested in being figurehead or a legend in the executive boxes, shaking hands and reminiscing about the old days.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Rhodes fought out of it and dodged a running boot from Gunther.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Meanwhile his wife Penelope dodges suitors while his son Telemachus valiantly searches for his decades-absent dad.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of dodge

Browse Nearby Words

fungicides
funk
funked
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Cite this Entry

“Funk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/funk. Accessed 24 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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