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
Max Muncy added a three-run homer as the Dodgers found the perfect way to break out of their recent funk — playing at hitter friendly Coors Field. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Band members, who love blues, jazz, soul, funk and R&B began as a backing band and live karaoke band for other performers but eventually became a main act. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 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
  • Both characters are deeply acquainted with the stench of failure.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Imagine the ripe smell of swamp-wet dogs, the acrid stench of overheated, enraged bear, the slippery warm blood of pack members already lost; the simply insufferable noise and confusion in that dank little hole.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • To me, the most notable change — outside of Robert not getting fully naked, you cowards — is that the meltdown is witnessed by much more of the senior class.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mythmaking rebellion of Tekena, first of her name, for the sake of a coward’s love was as recognizable to her descendants as their need to cross borders, both ethnic and geographic, in search of a happiness that wasn’t promised.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • The masked person, carrying a distinctive blue plaid backpack, was last seen ducking into SEPTA’s Suburban Station.
    — Madison Lambert, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026
  • An aftershock that struck during an interview Tuesday prompted Vincentius Rano and his wife to instinctively duck and cover their heads.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • Now, McDonald’s is betting on fancier chicken and airer restaurants to draw back diners.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Customers can choose between four breakfast taco options – bacon, egg and cheese; sausage, egg and cheese; chicken sausage, egg and cheese; or ham, egg and cheese.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • But Beijing has also sought to avoid domestic fuel shortages by limiting its own fuel exports.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Seven-nine percent said to avoid a ticket, 72 percent said to avoid a crash, and 60 percent said because of bad weather, according to the research.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images Lettuce prices cratered in July as the multistate cyclospora outbreak pushed diners to shun the leafy green.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • First, Murdock recognized the Falcons setting up a screen and then shook off a block attempt by the pulling center and dropped running back Tyler Goodson for no gain.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In quiet spaces, cues on whether the ground is shaking are distorted by our expectations.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Because the sites are generally located at least 100 feet away from any trails, visiting them can require bushwhacking through swampy terrain or dense undergrowth, dodging branches and the occasional cobweb.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The movie sees that trap coming and dodges it by the skin of its teeth.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 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 20 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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