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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Recent Examples of plucky
That was a way in that could also become this wonderful, vivid world of primary colors and plucky kids and eccentric customers, and be very observational and immersive.
—
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
So, once again, is Spike (Alfie Williams), a plucky, soulful-eyed twelve-year-old, who was befriended by Ian in the previous film, and who was last seen being rescued from a pack of the infected by a strangely menacing benefactor, Jimmy (Jack O’Connell).
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2026
Fans of twisty murder mysteries set in stately British homes and admirers of the shrewd, plucky heroines who solve them, rejoice!
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
The perk to being plucky in interior ice is the opportunity to score goals.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plucky
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
So, once again, is Spike (Alfie Williams), a plucky, soulful-eyed twelve-year-old, who was befriended by Ian in the previous film, and who was last seen being rescued from a pack of the infected by a strangely menacing benefactor, Jimmy (Jack O’Connell).
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2026
Fans of twisty murder mysteries set in stately British homes and admirers of the shrewd, plucky heroines who solve them, rejoice!
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
The perk to being plucky in interior ice is the opportunity to score goals.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky
Adjective
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O'Donnell kicks things off with America's founding document – the one declaring independence and bearing the names of 56 founding fathers … and one very brave woman.—
Mo Rocca,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
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Goldman Sachs’ brave governance committee move to remove DEI policies is a great step towards rethinking inclusion based on the broadest talent pool.—
Betsy Atkins,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These gains are the result of courageous leadership and a relentless focus on the fundamentals.—
Jeb Bush,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
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Their home stands as a reminder that democracy requires both courageous lawyers and courageous journalists.—
Alvin C. Hathaway Sr,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There was a strong suspicion that the deployment of Meredith and his two valiant soldiers was more of a low-cost publicity stunt than a serious attempt to cull the emu population.—
Tom Hawking,
Popular Science,
25 Feb. 2026
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With Steph Curry in street clothes for the second consecutive game while dealing with runner’s knee, the 11-man Golden State put up a valiant effort that resulted in a come-from-behind 101-97 win.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Isabel was fearless, Atkin thought.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Kit is blind to Deano’s circumstances and is drawn to his friend’s energy and fearless worldview.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In the second half, Miami came out determined to push LAFC back into its own territory by advancing its lines and looking to support Germán Berterame.—
Jad El Reda
Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Despite having already seen Church twice in concert, Oberheim was still determined to make an effort to see him.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tilt and the gallant escort was replaced by a boy too traumatized to leave his mother’s side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Jan. 2026
-
While Son of Hitler takes plenty of creative liberty when the titular character is recruited to assassinate his famous father for the Allies, the fate of the real-life Loret isn’t so gallant.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Forced to confront this web of lies, Kanan faced an existential crisis of self-discovery and emerged stronger and more resolute than ever.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Steve Rogers grows up in Brooklyn as a puny but resolute child.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Not a heroic act, but a cultural revolution.—
Stefania Conrieri,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
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Luckily, our heroic toys have a returning Woody on their side, who is now balding.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plucky. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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