spunk

noun

ˈspəŋk How to pronounce spunk (audio)
Definition of spunknext
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

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
  1. courage
  2. grit
  3. fortitude
  4. bravery
  5. stamina
  6. courageousness
  7. guts
  8. determination
Noun
  • Ceremonies across the state will honor victims, first responders, and the ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage in unimaginable circumstances.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The honor, announced today, promotes the practice of investigative journalism exemplifying compassion, courage and integrity.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Fried chicken is not only a symbol of comfort, but also of grit and entrepreneurial spirit.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The main filter comes with a fine-mesh inner basket for capturing particles such as sand, pollen, and other grit.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • Twenty-five years later, that moment remains a symbol of America’s fortitude following the horrific 9/11 terror attacks that killed 2,977 people at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and in Somerset County, Penn.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • To lose them both to separate suicides while facing his own mortality as an active athlete requires true fortitude.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • The position requires a particular combination of bravery, confidence and just enough absurdity.
    — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Going any higher in the range, into Z06 and ZR1 territory, commands bravery and many, many more dollars.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • Plus, the light, ergonomic ear casings secure up to 50 hours of total charge capsule stamina with rapid quick-charge support.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • This one play offers a new snapshot of just how involved playing quarterback is and how much mental stamina and awareness will always be folded in.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025
Definition of courageousness
Noun
  • But to me, the guts and the root of the whole thing is the writing.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Newcastle United Newcastle United 2 Liverpool 2 The kick-in-the-guts last-gasp equaliser apart, this was fun.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • Her passion, determination and single-minded focus had completed the deal.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The allegations build on an April 2025 US determination that Sudan’s government used chemical weapons in 2024, though officials provided little public evidence at the time.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of determination

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spun
spunk
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Cite this Entry

“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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