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

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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

Free expression is a principle that seems easy to uphold in theory, but requires some degree of courage in practice.

— Annabelle Garland, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
His mother gives him the right advice that leads to the courage of telling Keisha the truth in this episode.

— Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

That team is something that will always be special — a special group of guys who had the grit and truly knew how to grind it out no matter what the circumstances were.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Authenticity in business, much like a pearl forming from grit, transforms challenges into valuable outcomes.

— ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

In a sport where mental fortitude is vital, checking in with herself is second nature for Merhige and preventing burnout is a core objective.

— Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Just as worrisome, though the Times has the resources and fortitude to withstand this pressure, the same may not be true of other news organizations.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

Definition of fortitude

Noun

The slave women are spared, and, after witnessing Odysseus’ bravery, many of the suitors stop fighting and bend the knee to their rightful king.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
Howard-Smith noted some of the standout stories from fire dog history, where Dalmatians became known for their loyalty, bravery and larger-than-life personalities.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Being on the road for five months requires the same kind of stamina as being an athlete.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 July 2026
In a 2024 survey of third-to-eighth-grade teachers, more than 80 percent said that their students’ reading stamina had declined since 2019.

— Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of stamina

Noun

Where challenges entered, our determination, imaginations, creativity and dedication to keep America strong have reaped blessings and success.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
The determinations are critical, considering billions of dollars in the form of a rocket launch to Jupiter is now facing serious jeopardy.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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