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

That woman, prosecutors said, went home and didn’t shower for three days, allegedly seeking to preserve his ejaculate on her body while working up the courage to report the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
By sharing their journeys with such honesty and courage, Dec, Dan and Saskia revealed the reality of rebuilding a life after stroke, and the truth behind the long and unforgiving journey to reclaim the right to live an independent life.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

The fight itself became a contest of grit between two legends—both past their prime but unbroken in will.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Lange, bless her, lends some stability to this narratively shaky material through her performance, effectively conveying a mix of vulnerability and grit as Constance.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 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

His bravery and commitment deserve mountains of reverence, of course.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Machchhar’s actions have received widespread praise from political leaders, passengers who were onboard, those who know him as well as strangers who gathered in his home town to celebrate his bravery.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Ambitious mukbang-ers eager to prove their gastronomic stamina descended on Red Lobster locations across the country to consume absurd quantities of shrimp.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
This 35% discount brings an already affordable crowd favorite straight into impulse-buy territory, giving travelers, students, and outdoor fans a chance to grab long-lasting battery stamina and water-resistant durability.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of stamina

Noun

In their new Apple series, Brothers, that infamous tale appears in the pilot when Holland Taylor, playing Ma Mac, drops the bomb on Harrelson, who doesn’t have the guts to tell McConaughey right away.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
McNeely’s riff shows a toe (flexed, as ever) hoisted from the ceiling, the rest of the figure an illegible mass of guts and bones.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of guts

Noun

But the investigation is ongoing, and no final determination has been made.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Colfax Mayor Caroline McCully said the opening represents the culmination of years of work and determination by people who believed in the project and the community.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunk

noun

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