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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Councilmember Raman stepped up with courage and grace to take on the status quo.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Students must also learn honest history, including the consequences of war, the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization and the courage of those who chose compassion over hatred.

— Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

Rounding out the trio is Zeimani, the middle sibling and resident comedian, whose raspy vocal grit carries the DNA of her late uncle, Bobby Womack.

— Natelegé Whaley, VIBE.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Jovic embodies the physical toughness, motor and grit on both sides of the floor that the Bruins lacked the past two seasons.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 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

Wawrinka’s bravery is what struck those who were there, including Djokovic.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
But a rally outside Wednesday's meet — where the boy finished second among a field of 25 to help lead Camas to the girls district championship — showed that the adults are catching up in the bravery department.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Even so, pairing protein with carbohydrates can help smooth out post-meal swings while supporting overall morning stamina.

— Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026
In a world where students are averaging seven and a half hours a day on screens and attention spans are waning, Connecticut teachers say that students’ reading stamina and comprehension are declining.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of stamina

Noun

In other words, the letters include enough information for people to make inquiries of their own and decide if the determinations are correct.

— Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
For Valerto, the experience has reinforced his belief that starting a business doesn't necessarily require extensive experience, just determination and a willingness to learn.

— Scott Withers, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of determination

Browse Nearby Words

spun

spunk

spunkily

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“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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