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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spunk
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
Animal-print chairs maintain a bit of spunk in the now bright, airy rooms, as do ornate dark wood bedside tables.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Each design also has its own energy and spunk!
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 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
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Animal-print chairs maintain a bit of spunk in the now bright, airy rooms, as do ornate dark wood bedside tables.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Each design also has its own energy and spunk!
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 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
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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These men considered the loss of control that such behavior implied-an animal urge indulged by weak men lacking the courage to fight other men directly-to be shameful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
Standing in the gap requires courage.—
Mariama Boney,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
West Indian and African seasonings and recipes merged with Low Country staples like rice, grits, kitchen garden vegetables, pork, and seafood.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
-
As Rachel learns about the family curse that threatens her and her betrothed, Morrone digs in with emotional complexity and real grit.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
But there was much more good than bad for Cole, whose velocity, efficiency and fortitude all stood out.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
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What isn’t debatable is that their blend of talent, experience and mental fortitude left them uniquely positioned to thrive under such tense conditions.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Noun
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On the heels of Operation Metro Surge, the massive immigration enforcement that uprooted everyday life for many people in the Twin Cities, local community members are being honored for their bravery in documenting the events.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
28 May 2026
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Well, take your picture of virtues for brave soldiers here, virtue itself being a word, while brave or bravery apparently didn’t fit.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
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The stamina, coordination, reflexes and maneuvering of a vehicle at such ridiculously high speeds is more than admirable.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The Wellness Elixir Marg, a play on a margarita, features a non-alcoholic tequila with ginger, turmeric, orange, agave, coconut water and maca root powder, an adaptogen said to help manage stress while boosting energy, stamina and libido.—
Gizelle Lau,
Forbes.com,
27 May 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
-
Five lining it up with four, leaving your guts and your heart out there.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
No formula or spreadsheet measures guts.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Their determination would not slip.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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The cause of death is pending determination by the county medical examiner.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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