as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spunky
The Boroughs follows a group of spunky people living in an upscale retirement community.
—
Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
The average lifespan for the spunky toy breed, Maltese is 15 years.
—Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
The original movie, released in 1999, starred Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
While Robbie’s Cathy is spunky, stubborn, and independent, Elordi’s Heathcliff is brooding, desperate, and clingy.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
The average lifespan for the spunky toy breed, Maltese is 15 years.
—Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
The original movie, released in 1999, starred Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
While Robbie’s Cathy is spunky, stubborn, and independent, Elordi’s Heathcliff is brooding, desperate, and clingy.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
Adjective
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And Mullin, a 48-year-old former Republican senator from Oklahoma and former mixed martial arts fighter, is also known for fiery exchanges with congressional committees, once challenging a Teamsters leader during a 2023 hearing.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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With first-round pick Caleb Downs expected to lock down the nickel cornerback spot, the competition will be fiery for the other two spots.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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The remarks amounted to a spirited defense of Fed independence, coming just weeks after Powell stepped down from his role as head of the central bank.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
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The Thunder, meanwhile, couldn’t repeat despite a spirited attempt, winning 64 games in the regular season and sweeping the first two rounds of the playoffs.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Tastad explained that their design team has extensive experience with the brand and is passionate about digging into its archives for design inspiration and re-imagining many of the vintage styles.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
1 June 2026
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Becker has long been passionate about this subject, sensitive to the common critique that California native plants look less than spectacular come summertime.—
Pedro Moura,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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The palate balances sweetness and spice, showcasing flavors of toffee, caramel, and a touch of sweet, cooked cereal, followed by cinnamon, clove, and a peppery mid-palate.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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The peppery flavor of this fast-growing green actually benefits from the shade, keeping it from getting too spicy.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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Alternatively, if exercising within four hours of bedtime, opt for short-duration, light-to-moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, or slow jogging for 30 minutes.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2026
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Given the brisk start then, is there still hope that the best is yet to come?—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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