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
  • Hair braiding 101 Armed with a glass of cold liquid courage and an arsenal of hair elastics and barrettes, dads paired up with one of Strands Aveda’s stylists to learn their daughter’s hairstyle of choice.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In Aries, the taskmaster’s lessons are centered around independence, initiative and the courage to take the lead.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • The city has a grit to it; everyone moves with a sense of urgency and purpose.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In 2026, the BMW XM is the flagship SUV for consumers in the German market and the XM rises over the competition with grit, power and style.
    — Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • But, deciding to still move forward with their round of golf knowing the boss would find out at some point took fortitude.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • The red, white and blue represent bravery, purity and loyalty, respectively.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Two other female characters who grabbed viewers’ attention, eventually becoming symbols of bravery, transformation, and strength are Arya and Sansa—and yes those names became wildly popular among new parents, too.
    — Parents, Parents, 31 July 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • Within a week, Flaco had triumphed over the doubters who feared that an owl raised in captivity wouldn’t have the strength or stamina to survive in the outside world.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Standards call for consistency, repetition and competitive stamina when the thrill of the anticipation fades.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 July 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
  • That took some guts, even though that’s what everybody else always does.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Explosive playmakers, a veteran offensive line and the guts of a good defense will support them.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • So harnessing the competitiveness and work rate which complemented a generational talent, the former striker went back to the drawing board with gritty determination.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But engineers don’t have all the data in hand to make a final determination.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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