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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The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
By contrast, Perry’s relationship with her fiery mother was defining.—
Pamela Chelin,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Despite the setback, Larson vowed to deliver a spirited campaign for the August 11 primary.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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With unwavering resolve, Salvador musters an eclectic band of misfit street kids, led by the spirited Belén, to challenge the unyielding threads of destiny and protect Carmen from inevitable doom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Louisiana fans are passionate and have built a dynamic community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
The tone of his voice grows more passionate.—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nasturtium plants themselves are edible, lending spicy, peppery flavor to salads.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
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Sharper and more assertive, Pecorino adds a peppery quality.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Prada 2 has been enjoying brisk weekday business, including crossing the $300 million mark globally on Wednesday and $100 million on Thursday in North America.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
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On a brisk spring morning, a handful of visitors mosey in and out of Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in far western Kane County.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunky. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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