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

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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 spunk 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 Paul Robeson was called all of the above, in addition to the more familiar slurs applied to a Black man who showed a little spunk in a Jim Crow culture. — Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024 Kaari currently has over 190,000 followers keeping up with her spunk and style. — Kara Nesvig, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
  1. courage
  2. grit
  3. fortitude
  4. bravery
  5. stamina
  6. determination
Noun
  • Final Thoughts In 2025, businesses that thrive will be those that have the courage to define a niche and serve it relentlessly.
    — Sneha Lundia, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Lilian, with a phobia of reptiles, nevertheless gathered the courage for her children’s sake, running a finger along the back of the boa constrictor.
    — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Cleaning Glove $42 AMAZON Rather than lathering your brush by hand, slide on this glove for extra grit with half the effort.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
  • New highlights include Oysters Rockefeller with a miso twist and Drunken Prawns with Cajun spice and puffed grits, a nod to Sam DuVall’s Mississippi roots.
    — Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of grit
Noun
  • That memory still burns, creating just the right balance of fortitude and redemption.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Cheaper laughs run rampant, invoking and evacuating seriousness in one limp gesture, smothering any thought or feeling at risk of requiring fortitude.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • Passengers huddle to hear the fabled tale of a sailor who fell in love with the ocean, an allegory about bravery, exploration and transformation.
    — Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • But for Musselman, stamina has never been a question.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • While that age cutoff might seem young, ATCs must have incredible physical stamina and mental sharpness, McCormick said.
    — Holly Yan, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • His determination led to McIlroy's second career win at the event, silencing doubters.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The city’s Department of Finance was reviewing the OCB determination and did not immediately return a request for comment.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of determination

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Cite this Entry

“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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