gumption

noun

ˈgəm(p)-shən How to pronounce gumption (audio)
Definition of gumptionnext
chiefly dialect
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience

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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 gumption As Riese observed in an excellent round-up from Autostraddle, this magazine was best known for a certain gumption. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026 The Invest in Kids program was allowed to sunset at the end of 2023 because our legislators did not even have the gumption to bring the issue to the floor. — Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Edward Montoya plays Fingal as an idealistic young writer, fresh out of Harvard, with little practical experience but a lot of ability and gumption. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Clearly, the interior designer known as Dabito—Dab, for short—does not lack for gumption. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gumption
  1. prudence
  2. wisdom
  3. sense
  4. wit
Noun
  • Short-term rates went to 5% and change, Treasury bills paid more than investment grade corporates, and savers who had spent fifteen years being punished for prudence suddenly got paid handsomely for doing nothing.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The higher standards down the pecking order can help keep the brightest talent in the game for longer, with the next generation benefitting from that wisdom.
    — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At the beginning of the 20th century, the prevailing wisdom about raising children could be remarkably grim.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • In that sense, hitting one in his second career at-bat, which was sandwiched by two strikeouts, was fitting.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Combining unexpected items can make a lot of sense and save precious space in your backpack.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Strength, teamwork and wit will be put to the test as competitors dodge orcas in Antarctica and swim with sharks in Chile.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And for us, that meant falling in love with her music and laughing at her wit along the way.
    — Corey duBrowa, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of wit

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gummy
gumption
gums
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Cite this Entry

“Gumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gumption. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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