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
The station didn’t just play indie rock — Carpenter’s show was dedicated to French pop, while other DJs spun the blues, jazz, prog rock, punk, funk and techno. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 Among the local bands that call the Stomping Ground home are Putnam’s own funk/groove ensemble Stattic. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 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 single greatest asset that A24 has is the power of its brand to bring younger audiences to theaters and TV platforms without the stench of corporate greed.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Aliso Canyon gas leak took nearly four months to control, sickened thousands of families and forced them from their homes near the San Fernando Valley to escape a sulfurous stench and maladies including headaches, nausea and nose bleeds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • How could anyone in the military support a repulsive, draft-dodging coward who called dead soldiers suckers and losers?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some called them cowards; others opted for more colorful language.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • Unlike many of their indie-rock peers, Pavement rejected every major-label caller, ducking outsize contracts.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Behind the clock tower, the actors ducked and cowered as wind and dust washed over them, flattening their hair and sending papers flying.
    — Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • The menu is full of classics—flaky spanakopita, aubergine moussaka, chicken souvlaki—which somehow taste much cleaner and fresher than typical taverna fare.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Along with the sandwich shop, the Donners have a flock of chickens and 3 acres for growing fresh produce at home, leaving spare time in short supply.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • Rather than giving direct answers, the company said, AI Mode will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the problem to avoid short-circuiting learning.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The state can also avoid large increases in uncompensated care that hospitals may not be able to absorb as Medicaid supplemental payments to hospitals have also been cut.
    — Stan Soloway, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Trump has cultivated a direct relationship with Kim, shunning the bureaucratic negotiations that usually precede a deal.
    — Stephen E. Biegun, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
  • But establishments don’t fade away so easily — and insurgents don’t automatically shun them.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • Soon after, a warden shook Guardado and shouted his name, but got no response and a medic then pronounced him dead.
    — KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ueno Bank’s failure has locked nearly half the country’s 6 million people out of their savings, shaking a country long viewed as one of South America’s more stable economies.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • America's sub-ultra-wealthy are finding new ways to dodge the crowds associated with air travel.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Pressed by reporters on how he’d tackle problems ranging from high-speed rail to homelessness, Becerra often dodged or spoke in generalities.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on funk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funk

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