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

For DeSorbo, however, opening up about her experience didn’t initially feel like an act of courage.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
But when catastrophe leaves them fighting for survival, they are propelled into an impossible race against time that will test the limits of courage, sacrifice and love.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

The show only exists because McConaughey and Harrelson decided to make it, and whatever passion, knowledge, grit, and hustle was needed to turn a celebrity indulgence into scripted entertainment is undetectable in the final product.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026
Hall’s recipe uses a classic combination of stone-ground grits, milk, water, and salt, but the Nashville native’s cooking technique may be different than the one your mama taught you.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

But more importantly — and what comes with age — is having the fortitude not to follow them.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of fortitude

Noun

Applegate’s new video has been met with love and support from such celebrities as Chelsea Handler and Vanessa Marcil and especially from fellow MS survivors, who praise her bravery and resilience.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Cassius accepted the hero award from the city of Miami Police Department at a ceremony recognizing his bravery on Wednesday.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your work and rest zones, making concentration, motivation, or stamina feel less reliable than usual.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
The skill isn’t spreadsheets or KPIs but having the stamina to defund something that’s quietly working, then sit with the people who built and loved it.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of stamina

Noun

In their new Apple series, Brothers, that infamous tale appears in the pilot when Holland Taylor, playing Ma Mac, drops the bomb on Harrelson, who doesn’t have the guts to tell McConaughey right away.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
McNeely’s riff shows a toe (flexed, as ever) hoisted from the ceiling, the rest of the figure an illegible mass of guts and bones.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of guts

Noun

Amelia Maldonado, a county land-use spokesperson, said in an email that while county staffers provide recommendations, the Planning Commission has the authority to reach its own determination.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Peete’s story should teach us that defensive action and determination can go a long way.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of determination

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spun

spunk

spunkily

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“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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