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
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Recent Examples of spunk
Those recordings hold up for their crystalline sound and youthful spunk.
—
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Further, students should embrace their true voice in the letter, showing their quirks, personality, and spunk.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Like things could change for the better if only a few teenagers with the right balance of spunk and smarts showed up.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Further, students should embrace their true voice in the letter, showing their quirks, personality, and spunk.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Like things could change for the better if only a few teenagers with the right balance of spunk and smarts showed up.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Think of Usher’s costume-leaning spunk, Erykah Badu’s eccentricity, Teyana Taylor’s punk sensibility, Lauryn Hill’s just-go-for-it attitude, and Gunna who is experimental at times.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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At war’s end, the narrative that develops valorizes physical courage, glorifies battlefield heroics, and vilifies hubris.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
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Bestselling author and researcher Brené Brown talks about courage in this week’s episode of Leadership Next.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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First and foremost, just the grit in our guys and in our group to keep a battling against a team that was moving the ball well.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
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With passion, perseverance and, yes, grit.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For Sheehan, who takes pride in coaching life lessons to his players, the victory stands as a building block for his program–and a chance to celebrate his team’s fortitude.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
25 Oct. 2025
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A lot of, uh, impressive mental fortitude is required to.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The seven pillars of society—wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth—aren’t just words carved into sacred walls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
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Pippa’s bravery and resilience have captured plenty of attention online, as internet users have rallied to support the sweet pup.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In both racing and business, success hinges on pacing yourself, building stamina, and staying focused on the long game.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
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The length depends on your stamina, budget, and the venue’s rules.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Apollo, there’s a chance everyone will hate your guts in unison, and there’s no recovery.—
Nikki McCann Ramirez,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
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Cover the pumpkin guts with a pile of leaves or other brown materials, and make sure the bin is tightly sealed to keep animals out.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Some 303,000 customers who receive gas through Eversource’s NSTAR division in 51 cities and towns across Massachusetts are set to save millions in utility costs due to the Department of Public Utilities’ determination.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
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Though the judges applauded his determination, his low scores led him to be sent home anyway.—
Diana Pearl,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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