spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē How to pronounce spunky (audio)
Definition of spunkynext
as in spirited
marked by a lively display of strong feeling a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation

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 spunky The spunky comedy streaming service couldn’t hit the mainstream enough to attract voters, despite some very funny programming. — William Earl, Variety, 8 July 2026 Maki is spunky and more tomboy-ish, while Omura is the more straightlaced and serious of the two. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 Jonny DeLuca hit a two-run homer with one out in the seventh inning, as the Rays rallied for a 4-3 win and a series victory over a spunky Nationals team. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 Nothing freshens up a spunky short haircut like fringe. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
  1. spirited
  2. fiery
  3. passionate
  4. peppery
  5. brisk
Adjective
  • The rape trial was mentioned but the overall portrait was of an enviable, high-spirited rake.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The special traces Sheindlin’s path from a spirited childhood in Brooklyn to the New York City courtroom, where her tough, no-nonsense approach caught the attention of television producers.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirited
Adjective
  • Jeffries, a cautious Brooklynite poised to become speaker, must juggle fiery progressives, restive moderates and backlash over a Jared Kushner meeting while preaching Pelosi-style discipline and teamwork.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Clippers released a fiery statement slamming the findings, though the team has little recourse to appeal.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • That’s why the defense of Taylor from inside these walls is so passionate among those who know him.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Hadder is passionate about supporting Boise’s local raptor population, and a student of the region’s history in bringing back birds of prey.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of passionate
Adjective
  • Cottin remains a drily smart, likably peppery lead, perfectly countering the spiraling scattiness of the wonderful Calamy.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The chicken hits with a peppery snap, citrusy and resinous with a trace of fenugreek lurking in the background.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of peppery
Adjective
  • The Philadelphia-Jacksonville game is the more expensive of the two, and its brisk sales seemingly point to the popularity of the Eagles.
    — Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of brisk

Browse Nearby Words

spunkiness
spunky
spur
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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