spunk

noun

ˈspəŋk How to pronounce spunk (audio)
Definition of spunknext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. courage
  2. grit
  3. fortitude
  4. bravery
  5. stamina
  6. courageousness
  7. guts
  8. determination
Noun
  • Nearly all of them wore masks, lacking the individual courage of a solitary Air Force major with a career and his freedom at stake.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
  • Muscato draws on Alexander the Great's strategies and his own experiences, including 9/11 and Winter Storm Uri, to guide executives in leading teams through crisis with clarity, resilience, and courage.
    — Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Inquisitiveness and grit should be encouraged regardless of age.
    — Eric Francia, Fortune, 7 July 2026
  • Johnson Products Company — which would later go on to manufacture Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm and men’s cologne line Black Tie — was made from humble beginnings, grit and a revolutionary product idea.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • They were blown away by his focus, drive, mentality and fortitude.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • In one particular test, participants were submerged in a sensory deprivation tank, a test meant to measure a participant's mental fortitude.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • The revolutionary leaders proved their character with sacrifice and bravery.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Without their bravery and will to stand up to England, the most powerful military force in history up to that time, and fight for their right to be free, our United States of America would be a much different place.
    — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • The Estadio Azteca, which will host the England game, sits 2,240 metres above sea level, which not only gives the hosts an acclimatisation advantage but shifts greater focus onto physical stamina and endurance.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • The rucking vest has moved from military training grounds into mainstream fitness gear, and 2026 has delivered a wave of new options built for people who want to add strength and stamina to a simple walk.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025
Definition of courageousness
Noun
  • The central body, which houses the motor and battery is completely open, meaning its electronic guts are visible.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • They’re won with guts and steel and capitalizing on the biggest opportunities.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • But as far as their defensive commitment goes, and their sheer determination to see the game plan through, Paraguay deserve at least a little credit for almost shutting an incredible team down.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 July 2026
Definition of determination

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Cite this Entry

“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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