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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 rock kids, the funk kids, the disco-ers, the club rats are all fleetingly conjoined by one pair of highly attuned ears loitering on the streets. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 In the household, spiritual jazz, classic soul and funk, and Afrobeat were omnipresent. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 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 of jet fuel, debris and fire from the burning Pentagon spread throughout the city.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Players have had to battle through the stench of bubonic chronic in the vicinity of some courts.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • But Coyote has hitched his hopes for the mammoth case upon a man who could only be called a coward.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The pundits feasted on her neutrality, most venomously Megyn Kelly, who called her a coward.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • But then, Jackson ducked low beneath two heavyweight defenders.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In another fun moment, Reese was talking to the media after the tight win over Italy and Clark ducked past her, apologizing for interrupting her interviews.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • But the star here is the dum biryani—in vegetarian, chicken, and goat varieties—that comes shrouded beneath a crust of bread.
    — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Other experts aren’t necessarily convinced this announcement will change much inhe ta galactic game of chicken.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • Oxygen, neon and magnesium white dwarfs can avoid that destruction thanks to their high densities.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • That law — the Employee Retirement Income Security Act — allows such plans to avoid most rules set by the states, which generally regulate most other types of insurance and assist consumers who report problems with their policies.
    — Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • The mares are now shunning poor Valentine, which Puckett hopes is only temporary.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
  • As bridge construction and congestion swamp Greater Cincinnati, some travelers are shunning spans over the river and taking a more nautical commute.
    — Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • As Gansey greeted them, shaking hands, taking photos and smiling endlessly, one stepped forward with a question that encapsulated everything.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • More than a year of demonstrations sometimes drawing hundreds of thousands of people shook Vucic more than ever during his 14 years in power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Senior quarterback Landon Conroy dodged rushers, revved up his arm and brought the North Stars within 14 points early in the fourth quarter before Batavia held on for a 55-35 victory.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • First released in arcades in 1999, the game puts players behind the wheel of a fearless cabbie racing the clock through chaotic city streets — flying off ramps, dodging traffic, and chasing tips with punk-rock energy.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Sep. 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on funk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funk

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