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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spunk
Each design also has its own energy and spunk!
—
Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Last time out, the 49ers eventually showed spunk pursuing the Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders, producing three sacks in a 26-8 win Nov. 30.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2025
Dallas’ defense showed some spunk, even factoring in the matchup against an offense that ranked 30th in the NFL coming into the game.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
People on TikTok were taken by Reagan's sudden spunk.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Last time out, the 49ers eventually showed spunk pursuing the Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders, producing three sacks in a 26-8 win Nov. 30.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2025
Dallas’ defense showed some spunk, even factoring in the matchup against an offense that ranked 30th in the NFL coming into the game.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
People on TikTok were taken by Reagan's sudden spunk.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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It is composed of images revealing impactful events which, in themselves, are rigid blocks of courage for those who film and those who are filmed.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
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From his transformative organizing and tireless advocacy in Chicago to his leadership on the national stage, his courage and conviction inspired millions and strengthened the civil rights movement across this nation.—
Elyssa Kaufman,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For a hardy dinner, serve up a healthy helping of crispy Brussel sprouts alongside a nice piece of salmon over grits or polenta.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
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For the spring Talladega race weekend, Jack Link’s was one of Legacy’s primary sponsors, compelling Ha to incorporate beef snacks into her menu by crumbling them atop grits.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Alas, the reality of sports demands that true greatness is measured only on the biggest stage, where the physical strength and innate talent gifted to every superior athlete takes a backseat to mental fortitude.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
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That probably takes as much strength and fortitude as taking a knee when no one else will.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Without your bravery and persistence, this new day would not have dawned.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps this was a mid-life crisis masquerading as bravery.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If Pumas reaped greater stamina from high-altitude training, the San Diegans held an edge in height and their strong desire to apply it.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Physical activity safeguards your heart, helps stave off metabolic disease, and improves your strength and stamina.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
15 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This takes a lot of guts, Lind says.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
9 Feb. 2026
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Both are up to the task, grounding these sometimes floaty proceedings in some human guts and grit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Final layoff determinations would not occur until May or June, after hearings and further review of attrition and revenues.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The pitchers on which the Padres will likely base such a determination are Michael King, who pitched just 73⅓ innings in 15 starts last season due to a nerve impingement near his throwing shoulder and knee inflammation, and Joe Musgrove, who did not pitch in ‘25 after Tommy John surgery.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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