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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Recent Examples of spunky
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
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
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for spunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky
Adjective
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The seemingly out of nowhere coach who filled reporters’ notebooks with quips and fiery tirades was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1971.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
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Chopra paired the fiery look with a bold winter white catsuit and a statement coat.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Stylistic opposites vie for Democrats’ Senate nomination Crockett and Talarico have waged a spirited race as Democrats look for their first Senate win in Texas since 1988.—
Thomas Beaumont,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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Clever, funny and visually appealing, Daniel Chong’s nutty action comedy zips along, driven by rambunctious energy and a spirited Mark Mothersbaugh score.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Hite argued, not always with analytical grace but with passionate sincerity, for a more egalitarian and empathetic world in and out of the bedroom.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
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Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
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Intoxicating tuberose is enhanced by dark, peppery vanilla, suede, and alluring tonka bean.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Daytime temperatures are more mild and the evenings are brisk.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
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March is the ultimate transitional month, full of days that might oscillate between brisk winter temperatures and sunny springtime moments.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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