1
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courageous
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament
they were gutsy enough to attempt a rescue on their own
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Recent Examples of gutsy
After losing to Oklahoma, squeaking by South Carolina and messing around with LSU aren’t gutsy showings but reflections of inconsistency.
—
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
The home run ended up being the difference between the Blue Jays having another inning of life as Yoshinobu Yamamoto managed to get the final three outs of the game in a gutsy relief performance.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The movie, adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel of the same name and following a new mother whose mental health starts deteriorating amid their isolated Montana surroundings, features one of Lawrence’s gutsiest, most visceral performances to date.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
In terms of grunt, the yacht is powered by two gutsy 2,000 hp MAN engines that enable a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gutsy
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
The home run ended up being the difference between the Blue Jays having another inning of life as Yoshinobu Yamamoto managed to get the final three outs of the game in a gutsy relief performance.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The movie, adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel of the same name and following a new mother whose mental health starts deteriorating amid their isolated Montana surroundings, features one of Lawrence’s gutsiest, most visceral performances to date.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
In terms of grunt, the yacht is powered by two gutsy 2,000 hp MAN engines that enable a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gutsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gutsy
Adjective
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Overall, this is a less-adventurous release than past chapters of Little Book, but there are a range of classic bourbon notes like vanilla, maple, honey, pear, baked apple, and that signature Jim Beam peanut note.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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Spend a day at Baía do Sancho, often ranked the world’s best beach for its turquoise water, abundant marine life, and adventurous cliffside access.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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From her perspective, seeking support is not a lack of discipline, but a rational and courageous response to a complex condition that thrives in silence.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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When somebody like Will Smith is courageous enough to be vulnerable and to immerse himself in, for my episode, Antarctica, the audience is able to see themselves through Will.—
Abigail Wise,
Outside,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Vitale’s debut collection was one of the most anticipated of last season, and was lauded by critics as daring, original and delightfully wacky.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the two-part documentary explores the fascinating, hilarious, and often heartbreaking life story of one of Hollywood’s most daring satirists, tracing how laughter became Brooks’ lifelong survival tool.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And that was a brave thing to do.—
Dan Morrison,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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In the Zootopia sequel directed by Jared Bush and Bryon Howard, brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), team up again to crack the most perilous and intricate case of their careers.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Its height and solidity gave the sense of a play structure, the crossbar that loomed above the platform a climbing feature for the truly fearless, and the rope noose perfect for swinging and letting fly if only the gallows had been built over water.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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The fearless work of Black activists who were murdered led to historic victories in Congress and the courts.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Knicks fans booed their valiant, heroic, oftentimes teflon team when the Hawks’ lead ballooned to 29 points midway through the third quarter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
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Tech’s offense, which ranked top-five in the nation in yards and points per game this season, was sluggish from the start, and a valiant effort from the Red Raiders defense wasn’t enough to knock off the Ducks.—
Lia Assimakopoulos
Dallas Stars,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Calf & Pony Hair The sleek, tactile surface of pony hair adds a bold edge to any accessory, creating a striking contrast in bags, hats, and footwear.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
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Simone’s performance is mesmerizing—bold, vulnerable, and transformative.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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For his battle-worn, brooding rendition of the heroic outlaw in the A24 film, the Les Misérables actor shows off a long gray beard paired with silver locks—a far cry from other Robin Hoods portrayed by actors like Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Russell Crowe.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
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Her father grew up in Vichy France and was obsessed with her long-dead grandfather, Georges, a Belgian Jew with a heroic and tragic life that became a family myth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gutsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gutsy. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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