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
At the same time, fresh ideas emerging from young professionals light up communication strategies with spunk and vitality.
—
Deepa Nagraj, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The winners likewise offered less spark and spunk than in many of the Oscars' best years.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Forever proud of her Irish heritage that provided her with spunk and beauty.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Socorro’s social nature, her spunk and her adaptability were likely rooted in her early childhood experiences tagging along with her father to bullfights and bars.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Deepa Nagraj, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The winners likewise offered less spark and spunk than in many of the Oscars' best years.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Forever proud of her Irish heritage that provided her with spunk and beauty.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Socorro’s social nature, her spunk and her adaptability were likely rooted in her early childhood experiences tagging along with her father to bullfights and bars.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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But any single act of courage might shift the trajectory of your life —or that of others.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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This is where the first-responder physio plays a critical role — staying vigilant, trusting their training and instincts, and having the courage to make the tough decision to remove a player when necessary.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Because buried underneath all the playoff grit and defensive toughness is a generational offensive weapon — one who can shift a game, a series, even a season with the flick of a wrist.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2025
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But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
Noun
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At the time, videos of motivational speakers and clips focused on mental fortitude became a regular part of his life.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2025
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The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as 'boys,' ... destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.—
Alex Gonzalez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Even in those first sessions, Nikola stood out for his incredible bravery when going up against older boys.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Quality sleep sharpens your decision-making, improves emotional intelligence and gives you the stamina to lead with clarity and confidence.—
Ankur Bindal,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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That and his commitment to improving his performance and mental stamina have led him to a lot of athletic success, including with his current team.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 May 2025
Noun
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not indicate in its news release what may have caused the animal’s death but said a final determination will be made after a necropsy.—
Max Levy,
Denver Post,
16 May 2025
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This goal for his country against Spain, for example, again highlights his determination to get on the ball, his passing and his willingness to drive forward.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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