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
  • None of this would exist without the ones who came before us, that first generation that had the courage to leave everything behind.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Leadership roles or intimidating pivots that require you to have courage are no exception.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • But what her mum did have was grit, raising her children alone and working three jobs to keep ponies in their lives.
    — Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That Crowley came from behind to win was a testament to Evers’ grit and determination to keep the nomination from Hong, whom Evers said was unlikely to win in November, and to how terrible of a campaigner Hong turned out to be in the home stretch.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • Kouvin missed the cut at the John Deere Classic but has since shown fortitude and an incredible golf game, winning the 3M Open and placing T-10 at the ISCO Championship and T-31 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But, deciding to still move forward with their round of golf knowing the boss would find out at some point took fortitude.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • That employee survived and was hailed for his bravery by law enforcement at Friday’s news conference.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The teen’s twin sister, Justice Greer, praised her sister’s bravery in her final moments.
    — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • The stamina required to rehearse and perform shows that involve pivoting, marching, carrying large instruments, running, and more can burn more calories than an elliptical workout.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Building the habit That decision-making stamina doesn’t have to come from anywhere complicated.
    — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 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
  • That took some guts, even though that’s what everybody else always does.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Explosive playmakers, a veteran offensive line and the guts of a good defense will support them.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • This time in a poll, every juror said the verdict was his or her individual determination.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But many of the players said the hurdle only fueled their determination to pursue the sport through other avenues.
    — Jaclyn Licht, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of determination

Browse Nearby Words

spun
spunk
spunkily
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Cite this Entry

“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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