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 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

Adjective

As important and inspiring as any is the one camouflaged by Fred Warner’s business-as-usual, ultra-fiery demeanor.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Miami settled for a 2-2 tie in a physical, fiery game that ended with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia phenom, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, ejected with red cards in the 12th minute of stoppage time, just before the final whistle.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Scenes like these played out every day during my month-long visit, showcasing a spirited and diverse community rather than one at risk of total desolation.

— Liz Provencher, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Her latest record, Confessions II, celebrated as her best album in 20 years and a spirited follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor, was accompanied by a short film that led to this wealth of nominations.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

The president of the new campus is Tamekia Morris, a passionate advocate for getting more women into skilled trades.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

The affect of these books—brisk, unsentimental, exacting—serves their diagnosis.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
This cooling tub can be installed inside or out and drops the water temp to a brisk 37°F for consistent recovery sessions.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of brisk

Browse Nearby Words

spunkiness

spunky

spur

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Style

“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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