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

Alas, the peace does not hold even for a minute, as Daemon takes Corlys back as a prisoner, and embarks on a fiery campaign against Tumbleton.

— Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
But employees were already used to spectacular mishaps, fiery and otherwise.

— Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Reeve and Cunningham were seen having a spirited conversation at half-court before the game, though both declined to detail the specifics of their talk with media.

— Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
The one-off 200-Ah 72-V battery pack is said to be suitable for spirited performance both in the city and on freeways.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

Klein, a Silicon Valley software engineering manager, was a passionate collector until his hobby overwhelmed his home and family life.

— Terry Chea, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Early signs suggest professional softball can indeed convert passionate fans into a lasting enterprise.

— Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

Founded by a former lawyer turned bookseller and Pasadena native Dan Whitmore, the store is doing brisk business among a younger clientele that still values the tactile pleasures to be found from beautiful books.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Pick up apple cider donuts at Breeze Hill Farm before taking a brisk trek through any one of North Fork’s idyllic nature preserves—Orient Beach State Park, Sound View Dunes Park, and Laurel Lake Preserve are some of our favorites.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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