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
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Recent Examples of spunky
While Robbie’s Cathy is spunky, stubborn, and independent, Elordi’s Heathcliff is brooding, desperate, and clingy.
—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Choose from this soothing sea glass colorway, a pretty carnation pink, and a spunky teal—all for 19 percent off.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ten weeks later, the short, spunky Canadian of Indian descent and mother of two walked into a conference room filled with owners of all 32 NFL teams — and did just that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Choose from this soothing sea glass colorway, a pretty carnation pink, and a spunky teal—all for 19 percent off.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ten weeks later, the short, spunky Canadian of Indian descent and mother of two walked into a conference room filled with owners of all 32 NFL teams — and did just that.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
Adjective
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And that fiery, vibrant red that fades after mere weeks?—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
14 May 2026
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The fiery collision was one of America’s deadliest drunken driving crashes on record.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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The younger generation, personified by Vénéranda’s spirited daughter, Tina (Kesia Kelly Nishimwe), and her boyfriend, a low-key photographer named Richard (Elvis Ngabo), has grown up without ethnic labels.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2026
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The winning bid of $157 million, which came after a spirited 10 minute bidding war that saw auctioneer Adrien Meyer counting up the bids in $1 million increments barely above a whisper, went to a buyer represented by Christie’s global president Alex Rotter.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Set in Los Angeles, the film follows AJ, a shy teenager who loves skateboarding and drawing, and Kristen, a passionate surfer.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
19 May 2026
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Much of the film is set in and around a Parisian elder-care facility, and Hamaguchi guides us through its rooms and hallways, its meetings and rituals, with a patience and passionate granularity worthy of the late documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Senior culinary producer Mallary Santucci praised a lightly peppery note, while associate manager of audience strategy Carly Westerfield was delighted by the citrus peel.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
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Its original name, aspabroc, reflects its delicate asparagus-like stems and the peppery and sweet florets on top.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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If your cardiorespiratory fitness could use a boost, Gavino said a wide range of physical activities can help, including aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and interval training.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
13 May 2026
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Even a 10-minute brisk walk or a 30-minute gardening session can have benefits.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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