as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gumption
And though preseason predictions pegged Marty Supreme as Gwyneth Paltrow’s big Oscar comeback, Odessa A’zion’s performance as a girlfriend with gumption has usurped the Goopster’s buzz.
—
Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026
Wall Street observers admire Paramount Skydance’s new gumption, but also recognize some of its assets face strong, ongoing challenges.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, opponents of zero-defect culture question whether officers who survive in today’s system have the gumption and risk-taking instincts to win the next big war.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Fitzgerald’s gumption as a deep field-goal kicker was tested with the Panthers up, 7-0, and having all the momentum.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gumption
Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026
Wall Street observers admire Paramount Skydance’s new gumption, but also recognize some of its assets face strong, ongoing challenges.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, opponents of zero-defect culture question whether officers who survive in today’s system have the gumption and risk-taking instincts to win the next big war.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Fitzgerald’s gumption as a deep field-goal kicker was tested with the Panthers up, 7-0, and having all the momentum.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gumption
Noun
-
China by contrast is beginning to look like a model of prudence and responsibility.—
Anatol Lieven,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Blashill wouldn’t reveal his words of wisdom, though.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
All the wisdom comes from the staff’s hive mind and veteran New Yorkers with discerning taste.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The story is something of a palimpsest, with Romvari’s own perspective intertwining with the character’s and conveying a sense of being both inside and outside the action.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
What’s left is a false sense of urgency that will lead to a budget finalized mostly in the dark, with too many decisions made by staffers and lobbyists.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Charlie's Angels centered on three private investigators who, under orders from their enigmatic but never visible boss, Charlie Townsend, solved cases together using their wits and style.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Use your quick wit when asking questions to avoid accidentally offending anyone.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gumption. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
