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
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Recent Examples of spunk
Those recordings hold up for their crystalline sound and youthful spunk.
—
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Further, students should embrace their true voice in the letter, showing their quirks, personality, and spunk.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Like things could change for the better if only a few teenagers with the right balance of spunk and smarts showed up.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Further, students should embrace their true voice in the letter, showing their quirks, personality, and spunk.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Like things could change for the better if only a few teenagers with the right balance of spunk and smarts showed up.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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Neighbors of Morton Harris, an officer who flew B-17s for the Army during World War II and survived some close calls during his 33 missions behind enemy lines, praised his courage — and his financial generosity.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
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The courage of charging the shoreline.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For Sheehan, who takes pride in coaching life lessons to his players, the victory stands as a building block for his program–and a chance to celebrate his team’s fortitude.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
25 Oct. 2025
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A lot of, uh, impressive mental fortitude is required to.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For real world bravery, though, Chalk commends Andy Muschietti alongside showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane for making a bold show.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
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Conrique’s dusky voice effortlessly conveys the emotional distress, before turning the song into one of bravery, as the protagonist leaves the unfaithful lover and then reminds the ex of all the ways those ongoing habits will lead to heartbreak in future relationships.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Indefatigable stamina and hustle also help.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Sunday night, a stubborn stamina very well may decide whether SDFC’s postseason will continue.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Blood and guts are flying everywhere when silence takes over the arena.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
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Okonjo-Iweala had the guts to go for it.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Elizabeth’s determination not to settle the succession gave rise to fierce rivalry between the claimants to the English throne, among them Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James VI; James’s cousin Arbella Stuart; Lady Katherine Grey and her descendants; and Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Our shareholders and clients have benefited enormously from Elon Musk's vision, determination and execution.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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