SPUNK Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

spunk

noun

ˈspəŋk

Definition of spunk

as in courage

the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship had the spunk to overcome a severe physical disability

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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 spunk Grossmont showed some spunk, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the inning. — Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Still, the Marty Supreme star and Best Actor nominee brought the same spunk and confidence to the red carpet that his on-screen counterpart brought to the ping-pong table. — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 15 Mar. 2026 But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin's fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk was back. — CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026 Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability. — Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spunk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk

Noun

If the old Ernest Hemingway adage holds true, that courage equals grace under pressure, then Anna May Wong (1905-1961) had it in spades.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Looking back, Branagh says aside from speaking with Filkins, the film gave him a deeper appreciation of the courage required to listen and to hear and to stay in the room.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

That mental fortitude stood out to Green during a minor-league game in which Voit started 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026
To lose them both to separate suicides while facing his own mortality as an active athlete requires true fortitude.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of fortitude

Noun

Galeo’s practical inventions and growing trust in his sister offer a different path to bravery than the one his village has taught him.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Kyrie Irving is criticizing ESPN‘s lack of bravery for not naming Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian war victim, in a social media post about Irving’s public offer to pay an NFL player’s fine for paying tribute to Rajab during a football game.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

The Brewers are nearly guaranteed a first-round bye, giving Woodruff an extra week to build stamina.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
His work rate, stamina, strength, tackling and tenacity were central to keeping the team in games and winning the ball back.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of stamina

Noun

In 1997, John Desler, a former Ole Miss defensive back, and his wife, Leelee, bought the guts of the place from James Purvis, proprietor of Purvis Pool Hall and the town’s most renowned bookie.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
But to me, the guts and the root of the whole thing is the writing.

— Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of guts

Noun

Fourth, the law needs to give homeowners enough time to challenge incorrect determinations.

— Michael Wolfe, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of determination

Browse Nearby Words

spun

spunk

spunkily

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“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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