gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
gutsier; gutsiest
Synonyms of gutsy
1
: marked by courage, pluck, or determination
a gutsy little fighter
a gutsy decision
2
a
: expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions
gutsy macho talk
gutsy country blues
b
: rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated
a gutsy soup
a rich gutsy wine
gutsily
ˈgət-sə-lē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
adverb
gutsiness noun

Synonyms of gutsy

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Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

That was a very gutsy decision. a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court
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The Dragons reclaimed the lead with a gutsy 10-yard rushing TD from Tomcheck, who broke a tackle and fell backward into the end zone. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 None was bigger than his 17-yard strike to Dallas Wilson on fourth-and-12 late in the first half, a gutsy throw that kept alive the touchdown drive that cut Texas’ lead to 17-10. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 At times, the dynamic between father and son can feel drowned in melodrama, but Abrams and Brolin are able to reel in their gutsy performances to portray a troubled relationship that’s still grounded in love. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 The gutsy play was one of four fourth-down conversions Boise State made Saturday, also moving the sticks on fourth-and-3, -2, and -1 throughout the game. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gutsy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gutsy was circa 1893

Rhymes for gutsy

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Browse Nearby Words

gutstring
gutsy
gutt
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Cite this Entry

“Gutsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gutsy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gutsy

adjective
ˈgət-sē How to pronounce gutsy (audio)
gutsier; gutsiest
: aggressively tough : courageous
a gutsy decision
a gutsy hockey player
gutsiness noun
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