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

Many of the others, for now, either lack the courage of Klaveness or, quite simply, still have confidence in him.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 July 2026
The Gryffindor must hone wisdom, the Hufflepuff courage, the Ravenclaw ambition and the Slytherin loyalty.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

His voice has weathered over the years, but that only added character to songs built on grit and honesty.

— Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Lacking sufficient grit, intimacy and visceral impact, the show offers little to hold onto that isn’t being done better on too many other current shows to list here.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Definition of grit

Noun

The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
In this scenario, Rogen would emerge as a courageous if idiosyncratic folk hero — one richly rewarded for his stoner fortitude.

— Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Definition of fortitude

Noun

Perhaps, from time to time, encourage his loyalty by offering up some praise for his bravery and promises of the wonders to come.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
As of now, the president’s decision to declare war on Iran appears to be a catastrophic mistake rather than an act of bravery.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Mox shoved Rick Knox, who still didn’t have the guts or aptitude to call for a disqualification.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
It was underscored in the Tour’s final kilometers, a blur of hurt and lactic and guts over the Paris cobbles, swapping turns with Mathieu van der Poel towards a dream win on the Champs-Élysées.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of guts

Noun

Passion, determination and dedication to the club and his cause are non-negotiables.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Social Security serves more than 300 million Americans through benefit payments, retirement records, disability determinations, replacement cards and hundreds of millions of annual transactions.

— Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 26 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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