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
Relevance
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
Forever proud of her Irish heritage that provided her with spunk and beauty.
—
Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Socorro’s social nature, her spunk and her adaptability were likely rooted in her early childhood experiences tagging along with her father to bullfights and bars.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
His spunk and verve have attracted comedian Nikki Glaser who dropped by to cheer him on.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2024
Recently headlining Afropunk New York 2024, the singer has yet to lose her spunk.
—Essence, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Socorro’s social nature, her spunk and her adaptability were likely rooted in her early childhood experiences tagging along with her father to bullfights and bars.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
His spunk and verve have attracted comedian Nikki Glaser who dropped by to cheer him on.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2024
Recently headlining Afropunk New York 2024, the singer has yet to lose her spunk.
—Essence, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
-
There comes a moment for every leader when the clearest sign of strength is found not in agreement, compromise, or accommodation but in the clarity and courage to firmly say no.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Adding to the timeliness of this welter of Weill is the composer’s reputation for political courage.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Expect grit, drama — and probably some snow metaphors.—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
College admissions officers actively seek students who demonstrate grit—the ability to persevere through setbacks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That takes some fortitude, when world trade is on the verge of collapse, consumers are frightened and businesses can’t plan anything.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
This time, logistics and luck were in my favor, and the fortitude came in handy during a dizzying three-hour ride to Himachal Pradesh, flying through hairpin turns on steep roads, as a thick mist churned over the mountains.—
Sarah Khan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Ancient Rome is cool because of gladiators, Julius Caesar — and yes, the underlying lore of strength, bravery and epic feats of masculinity.—
Donie O'Sullivan,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
-
In many of Kim Won Suk’s dramas, there’s an inspiring character—one whose acts of kindness, compassion, bravery and loyalty motivates viewers to do the right thing in their own lives.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In both world wars, the key to victory was not so much military prowess as unbeatable stamina.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Speed and stamina are core aspects of their role, and for most, these take a nosedive around these ages.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After 11 years of perseverance and determination, Rory McIlroy finally secured his elusive Grand Slam win, donning the iconic green jacket with tears of joy streaming down his face.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
In both, a scrappy frontier upstart fought off its former master, counting on home field advantage, capable allies, and sheer determination to secure victory.—
Tom Bell,
Oc Register,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share