SPUNKY Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

spunky

adjective

ˈspəŋ-kē

Definition of spunky

as in spirited

marked by a lively display of strong feeling a spunky determination to make the best of a bad situation

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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 spunky The spunky comedy streaming service couldn’t hit the mainstream enough to attract voters, despite some very funny programming. — William Earl, Variety, 8 July 2026 Maki is spunky and more tomboy-ish, while Omura is the more straightlaced and serious of the two. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 Jonny DeLuca hit a two-run homer with one out in the seventh inning, as the Rays rallied for a 4-3 win and a series victory over a spunky Nationals team. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 Nothing freshens up a spunky short haircut like fringe. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunky

Adjective

In 1967, the prominent computer scientists Allen Newell, Alan Perlis, and Herbert Simon staked out their position in a spirited letter to the editor in the journal Science.

— Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Set in a small Texas town, the film follows Parton as the spirited owner of a famous local establishment and Reynolds as the sheriff determined to defend it from public scrutiny.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

Jeffries, a cautious Brooklynite poised to become speaker, must juggle fiery progressives, restive moderates and backlash over a Jared Kushner meeting while preaching Pelosi-style discipline and teamwork.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The Clippers released a fiery statement slamming the findings, though the team has little recourse to appeal.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Cottin remains a drily smart, likably peppery lead, perfectly countering the spiraling scattiness of the wonderful Calamy.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
The chicken hits with a peppery snap, citrusy and resinous with a trace of fenugreek lurking in the background.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of peppery

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spunkiness

spunky

spur

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

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Synonyms of spunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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