SPUNKY Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē

Definition of spunky

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

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 Jasmine is spunky, intelligent, bored with the whole royalty scene, and able to take care of herself. — Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 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 Joan Cusack began voicing the rootin’ tootin’, spunky, resourceful cowgirl toy Jesse in Toy Story 2, playing a major role in each film since before becoming the lead in Toy Story 5 after a break from Hollywood. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 20 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

Adjective

The actress and comedian, 46, turned up the heat in a fiery red dress at the 2026 ESPYS.

— Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
The satellites would only survive about 20 minutes before ultimately plunging to their fiery doom reentering Earth’s atmosphere.

— Lee Billings & Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 July 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Drinks—both spirited and alcohol-free—featuring ingredients like coconut milk, dairy or nut milks, fruit purées, and honey are especially froth-friendly.

— Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
The question of who actually lives in the district sparked some of the most spirited back and forth.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

Yet what elevates The Daily Show, and produced so many offspring, is that its point of view is obvious and passionate—without shading into outright campaigning.

— Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Playing in front of a passionate home Mexican crowd, Jimenez had an excellent tournament, leading the line for Javier Aguirre’s side.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026
Weight-bearing activities — brisk walking, climbing stairs, dancing, strength training — signal to the body that the skeleton needs to stay dense and strong.

— Matthew T. Drake, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Definition of brisk

Browse Nearby Words

spunkiness

spunky

spur

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“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunky

adjective

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