as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 spunky
Choose from this soothing sea glass colorway, a pretty carnation pink, and a spunky teal—all for 19 percent off.
—
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ten weeks later, the short, spunky Canadian of Indian descent and mother of two walked into a conference room filled with owners of all 32 NFL teams — and did just that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Surprisingly, the spunky wannabe warrior becomes the most consequential character in the third and possibly final movie of the blockbuster sci-fi franchise, whose previous two installments netted roughly $5 billion worldwide.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ten weeks later, the short, spunky Canadian of Indian descent and mother of two walked into a conference room filled with owners of all 32 NFL teams — and did just that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Surprisingly, the spunky wannabe warrior becomes the most consequential character in the third and possibly final movie of the blockbuster sci-fi franchise, whose previous two installments netted roughly $5 billion worldwide.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
Adjective
-
One is aji verde, a fiery, electric green sauce made with Peruvian yellow peppers, and huacatay, a pungent, black mint with hints of tarragon and citrus.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In the video, an officer tries to use a key to enter the residence when the front of the building explodes in a fiery blast.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Viewers tune into Murstein’s content to hear Grandma Gail’s best advice, much of which involves her spirited opinions about dating and fashion.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Stanley had a songbook full of these, some spirited, some spiritual.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The situation involving Stamps is noteworthy in part because her mother, Marion Nzinga Stamps, was a passionate community activist at the Cabrini-Green public housing complex who was known to confront officials to press her case.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
The somms here are passionate and eager to help find the right wine for you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sharper and more assertive, Pecorino adds a peppery quality.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Lower in alcohol and markedly less sweet than most European counterparts, this aperitif is quite fresh, with peppery notes of eucalyptus and a pleasantly tart currant flavor.—
Jerry & Krista Slater,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Two batters into the top of the sixth, a sudden, aggressive rain began pouring down on Citizens Bank Park, prompting a brisk 24-minute delay.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
When the news came that a horse had scratched, a great stir rose, and several of the groomsmen who were sitting in the stalls with their horse wards scurried to start their brisk brushing to get the pine shavings off and used their jute sacks to spit-shine the coats slick.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
