PLUCKY Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

plucky

adjective

Definition of plucky

as in brave

informal having or showing a lot of courage or determination A plucky young man who never gave up on his dream.

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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 plucky But Marsch’s plucky team responded by winning this tournament’s first round of 32 match and reaching the round of 16 for the first time in its three trips to the World Cup. — Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 This legume-centric take on chicken Marbella combines prunes, capers and almonds with a plucky vinaigrette of red wine vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon mustard. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 29 June 2026 The American men were once the plucky underdogs of international soccer, always willing to run for 90 minutes and gut out a tough, gritty game. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 June 2026 But Marsch's plucky team responded by winning this tournament's first round of 32 match and reaching the round of 16 for the first time in its three trips to the World Cup. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plucky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky

Adjective

After being strapped into a harness by a brave rescue worker, the man is whisked from the tanker, holding onto the support lines for dear life as the drone carries him above the raging waters.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 8 July 2026
Egyptian fans in the 300 level of the stadium were outnumbered but felt brave enough to taunt the throngs of Argentines behind them.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of brave

Adjective

With courageous tennis and heaps of that necessary self-belief, Muchová beat Gauff 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(12-10) to advance to her second Grand Slam final and first at Wimbledon.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026
Board chairs need to be competent, courageous and lead with integrity to protect individual board members in order to fulfill the fiduciary duties and provide value to the shareholders.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

Strong-willed and fearless, Laura has no qualms about asking questions and walking to the beat of her own drum.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026
In a daring high-wire act high above the East River, fearless NYPD cops spent nearly an hour on a span of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge talking down a woman desperately threatening to jump.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Definition of fearless

Adjective

Plus, Scott has invested in climate action, donating $90 million to the Forests, People, Climate (FPC) collaborative determined to end tropical deforestation.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 July 2026
But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of determined

Adjective

Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.

— Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026

Definition of gallant

Adjective

His desire to run in behind and carry the ball at speed was most impressive against Panama, something that England can use to test more resolute defensive sides, as well as those who will leave spaces in behind to attack.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 1 July 2026
England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.

— Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026

Definition of resolute

Adjective

Meanwhile, the French are flocking to see a two-part, five-hour-long movie, La Bataille de Gaulle, which retells the story—both anguished and heroic—of defeat, collaboration, resistance, and liberation.

— Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Riders on the Jungle Cruise float past a Sausage Tree that serves as a heroic focal point on a peninsula next to Schweitzer Falls.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Definition of heroic

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plucks

plucky

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“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plucky. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of plucky

adjective

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