PLUCKY Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

plucky

adjective

Definition of plucky

as in brave

informal having or showing a lot of courage or determination A plucky young man who never gave up on his dream.

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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 plucky As Fignon, four-time winner Bernard Hinault and LeMond fought for the overall General Classification minutes behind, the plucky Barteau gallantly, though hopelessly, defended his lead, allowing Fignon to preserve his efforts. — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 And although Etna’s narrative voice—vulnerable, curious, endearingly direct—inclines the reader to envision the pluckiest good boy, humanity’s violence deprives him of a gentle youth. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 California sewed up 2nd place, amazingly, in the group with a win over the plucky Miami team. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The story of a plucky Canadian station in the golden era of alternative radio is headed to PBS. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plucky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky

Adjective

How will this play out as these brave, disillusioned journalists enter our world?

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Gunn was indeed brave, and her performance was indeed a train wreck.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of brave

Adjective

However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

Which puts a spotlight on the embarrassing disorder of Expo Park itself (despite valiant efforts from its current leadership, including a parking lot soon to be turned into a park near BMO Stadium).

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Tong’s valiant charge promises to yield returns in the longer term, but CT leadership must do more now to restore Connecticut’s reputation and status as a haven for all families.

— Dr. SJ Job, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of valiant

Adjective

This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Founded by Charles Tanqueray in London, the brand was built on a fearless pursuit of perfection — with over 300 versions created before the final London Dry expression was perfected.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fearless

Adjective

Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton were considered as options alongside Anderson and Bouaddi, but Fernandez was the player City were most determined to sign.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The kitchen is located in the new addition of the house, and Keys was determined to inject it with charm.

— Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of determined

Adjective

Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.

— Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026

Definition of gallant

Adjective

The closest tonally and thematically to the original, Last Crusade returns the series from the dark streaks of Temple of Doom to its more classically heroic, Third Reich-smashing roots.

— Frank DeRuggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Rather than heroic, these costly and horribly uncertain stunts come across callous and cruel.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of heroic

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plucks

plucky

plug

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

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Synonyms of plucky

adjective

Example Sentences

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