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 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 An antiheroic smuggler, a spunky princess and a farmboy with big dreams. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 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

One person was killed in a fiery three-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on Wednesday in far northwest suburban Genoa Township.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Embattled Central Florida Congressman Cory Mills faced off in a fiery primary debate with three fellow Republicans Wednesday evening, in which the political issues were largely overshadowed by his many controversies.

— Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Hilton rose to fame as a popular, and notorious, gossip blogger in the 2000s, which garnered both millions of readers as well as pushback from some celebrities who felt his coverage was mean-spirited.

— Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Robust cold-brew espresso is blended with a spirited kick of Fernie's Funnel Cake Cream Cocktail™, creating layers of deep coffee flavors and hints of vanilla.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

Demián is a tireless advocate for immigrants and Danny is a passionate champion of Latino voices and stories.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
The twelve-time Olympic medalist is passionate about making sure that people like her are not kept out of the pool because of their condition.

— Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

The problem, of course, is that this newfound speed arrived in a world whose lighting technology had not quite caught up with the idea of vehicles moving at more than a brisk trot.

— Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Sales have been brisk for state lottery games after a brief period where inflation apparently caused consumers to dial back purchases of scratch-off tickets.

— Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunky

adjective

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