gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

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

gutsily

ˈgət-sə-lē 

adverb

gutsiness noun

Synonyms

• adventuresome
• adventurous
• audacious
• bold
• daring
• dashing
• emboldened
• enterprising
• free-swinging
• hardy
• nerved
• nervy
• venturesome
• venturous

Examples of gutsy in a Sentence

That was a very gutsy decision.

a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavy themes and a harrowing story Death Stranding 2’s more refined gameplay experience stands in contrast to a story that’s extremely gutsy, topical, and sometimes nauseatingly self-referential. —Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025

But the brand enjoys a mystique because gutsy, active users take Randalls with them on dangerous adventures. —Erik German, Fortune, 17 June 2025

During his time in New York, which encompassed those two Super Bowl wins by the gutsy Giants over the mighty New England Patriots, Umenyiora was a thoughtful teammate who would pass knowledge on to the next generation. —Peter Carline, New York Times, 16 June 2025

There is a very gutsy sound to your voice on this, but also a vulnerability. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gutsy

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 

gutsier; gutsiest

: aggressively tough : courageous

a gutsy decision

a gutsy hockey player

gutsiness noun