as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
-
And that fiery, vibrant red that fades after mere weeks?—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
The fiery collision was one of America’s deadliest drunken driving crashes on record.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the setback, Larson vowed to deliver a spirited campaign for the August 11 primary.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
