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
  • But when a traumatic drunken night resurfaces, Júlía must confront shame, family responsibilities and the courage to tell her own story, reads the logline.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Cammack, who was one of the first House Republicans with the courage to speak out about Mills, should push hard for changes.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Carlos Baleba offers United a different profile to Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, a combination of energy, defensive grit, and ball-carrying that should suit Carrick’s midfield well.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The work included repairs to the Gibson Ranch Lift Station and paving, lighting, piping and other infrastructure improvements associated with the treatment plant’s grit filtration system.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • Richards somehow had the fortitude to continue a grueling European tour in the middle of all this chaos and sorrow, but a stadium run through America at the end of the summer was simply too much to ask.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Camping can be either a delightful pastime or a test of fortitude, depending largely on the bug situation.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • Much depended on your bravery, skill, road surface, and entry speed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By Hal’s own admission, his bravery comes from having nothing to lose.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • Players often arrive back from their summer breaks with a base level of fitness — enhanced by light and sporadic individual training during their holidays — and their natural athlete’s stamina.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Learn line dancing and improve your balance, footwork, cardiovascular activity and stamina.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 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
  • What kind of superhero show has the guts to kill off its lead character in the first episode?
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This one is a teen slasher that will cover you with blood and guts at every turn.
    — Alaina Urquhart, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • With her big dreams and determination, Shyniyah hopes to one day become the President of the United States.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The singer connected that determination to a memory from childhood, describing a tendency to challenge what adults told her was true.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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