spunk

noun

ˈspəŋk How to pronounce spunk (audio)
Definition of spunknext
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship had the spunk to overcome a severe physical disability

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spunk Grossmont showed some spunk, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the inning. — Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Still, the Marty Supreme star and Best Actor nominee brought the same spunk and confidence to the red carpet that his on-screen counterpart brought to the ping-pong table. — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 15 Mar. 2026 But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin's fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk was back. — CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026 Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability. — Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
  1. courage
  2. grit
  3. fortitude
  4. bravery
  5. stamina
  6. courageousness
  7. guts
  8. determination
Noun
  • Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • His exceptional talent, determination, and grit will leave a lasting legacy at NASA.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • Richards somehow had the fortitude to continue a grueling European tour in the middle of all this chaos and sorrow, but a stadium run through America at the end of the summer was simply too much to ask.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Camping can be either a delightful pastime or a test of fortitude, depending largely on the bug situation.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • For Lomon, the decision was less about bravery than responsibility.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Harry’s next major public engagement will take place in London at the annual WellChild Awards, honoring the bravery and resilience of seriously ill children and their caretakers.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • This one play offers a new snapshot of just how involved playing quarterback is and how much mental stamina and awareness will always be folded in.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That might be due to grit, stamina—or a little psychological trick called a coping mantra.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025
Definition of courageousness
Noun
  • But to me, the guts and the root of the whole thing is the writing.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Newcastle United Newcastle United 2 Liverpool 2 The kick-in-the-guts last-gasp equaliser apart, this was fun.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • The conference said its rule would apply independently of the status of NCAA eligibility determinations.
    — Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In his ruling Gayles rejected the government’s argument that Vorbe could be held in mandatory detention without a bond hearing simply because of Rubio’s determination in a letter.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of determination

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spun
spunk
spunkily
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Cite this Entry

“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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