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
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
One More Time saw a fusion of the rock legends’ classic sound and Harrison’s spunky spirit.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 15 Dec. 2025
Pixie One extreme begets another, so while some may opt for waist-length hair, others might find something just as magical in a spunky, textured crop.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Dec. 2025
The movie saw 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, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
One More Time saw a fusion of the rock legends’ classic sound and Harrison’s spunky spirit.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 15 Dec. 2025
Pixie One extreme begets another, so while some may opt for waist-length hair, others might find something just as magical in a spunky, textured crop.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Dec. 2025
The movie saw 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, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
Adjective
-
The fiery meeting at the South Shore Cultural Center began with local Ald.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
-
House Democrats clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday during a fiery hearing on Capitol Hill that devolved into shouting matches and throwing sharp elbows.—
Fritz Farrow,
ABC News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Other than Arturs Silovs, who was sensational between the pipes, and a spirited performance from rookie Ben Kindel, the Penguins produced an utter no-show against a surging Ottawa team.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
For decades, the concrete building known for its Brutalist design has served as a trusty backdrop for public rallies, political protests and spirited demonstrations.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Instructor Peggie Moore is passionate about working with students of every age, size, shape and ability.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Kubota is passionate about water, food and the environment.—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Chenjeh, lamb bathed in a peppery marinade with the merest suggestion of saffron, is my favorite kebab, the one that yields to a fork but hits as boldest in flavor.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Creole seasoning adds peppery heat to keep this soup vibrant, along with apple cider vinegar which helps to balance the saltiness of the sausage and seasoning.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Faber and Rivera’s fight will be the main event for a brisk night of fights.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Ringing piano eighths gallop at a brisk mid-tempo, while percussive hits ring out in the distance.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
