plucky

adjective

Definition of pluckynext
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 Among the newspaper’s alums was Mildred Wirt Benson, better known to legions of Nancy Drew fans as Carolyn Keene, the original author of the mystery books featuring the plucky amateur detective. — Kate Brumback, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 In the book’s first movements, our plucky, brilliant guide through the world of Black mega-church runs on acidic observations, wit, and drolly spouted trivia. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Even after a catastrophic 2023 heatwave set off the worst coral bleaching event in state history, some plucky polyps clung to life. — Nicolás Rivero, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 Save the Last Dance stars Stiles as Sara Johnson, a plucky 17-year-old from the suburbs of Chicago chasing dance dreams that seem increasingly unstable after her mother is killed, forcing her to relocate to the city’s gritty South Side. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky
  1. brave
  2. courageous
  3. valiant
  4. fearless
  5. determined
  6. gallant
  7. resolute
  8. heroic
Adjective
  • There is no ‘Logan’ without his brave portrayal of Charles Xavier.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Bacon’s own utopian fantasy The New Atlantis imagines a brave technocratic future, and seemingly predicts everything from submarines to genetic modification and the internet.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • Research by Harvard Business School Professor Ranjay Gulati found that courageous and effective leaders create positive narratives that guide them through chaos, often recasting their work as a mission.
    — Olivia Ludington, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The defeat coming against someone playing such courageous tennis is why Wawrinka’s triumph still resonates.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • The Florida Panthers were able to mount a valiant comeback in San Jose, rallying from three goals down in the second period and scoring two in the third before ultimately falling in overtime.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a valiant effort on the water, that milestone failed to normalize a more ever-present female presence at the Cup for almost three decades.
    — Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of valiant
Adjective
  • There were echoes of that fearless performance in Wawrinka’s upset of Djokovic.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Dolores was a great light and a fearless warrior for justice.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of fearless
Adjective
  • The winless Heat looked determined to get its first victory of the season, playing with aggressiveness and force on Wednesday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Hoping to sell the property while preserving his uncle’s legacy, Joe finds himself at odds with Darren (Swardson), the ambitious owner of a neighbouring go-kart track determined to bulldoze the course and expand his racing empire.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Susanna Moore is terribly important to us, more so than any of Hemingway’s gallant girls.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • First to one knee and then all the way up like a gallant fighter gathering himself.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of gallant
Adjective
  • And after October 7, opposition to the notion has become far more resolute.
    — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Almost instantly, though, the resolute Mahomes was seizing the days to make his way back.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • Their actions were nothing short of heroic and reflect the courage and compassion our officers bring to this community every day.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • His heroic efforts in the South Pacific on the navy motor torpedo boat PT-109 during World War II earned him a Purple Heart but left him even more physically debilitated.
    — Laurence Leamer, Air Mail, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of heroic

Browse Nearby Words

plucks
plucky
plug
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Cite this Entry

“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plucky. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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