gumption

noun

ˈgəm(p)-shən How to pronounce gumption (audio)
Definition of gumptionnext
chiefly dialect
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters the company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience

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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 gumption As Riese observed in an excellent round-up from Autostraddle, this magazine was best known for a certain gumption. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026 The Invest in Kids program was allowed to sunset at the end of 2023 because our legislators did not even have the gumption to bring the issue to the floor. — Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Edward Montoya plays Fingal as an idealistic young writer, fresh out of Harvard, with little practical experience but a lot of ability and gumption. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 Clearly, the interior designer known as Dabito—Dab, for short—does not lack for gumption. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gumption
  1. prudence
  2. wisdom
  3. sense
  4. wit
Noun
  • The word prudence seems to be missing as more and more debt is issued.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Investors also have little confidence that fiscal prudence will return anytime soon.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The Democrat, who supports Jackson, thinks there’s wisdom in trying to avoid gaffes that distract from Collins.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta’s revival shows how postseason fortunes can defy conventional baseball wisdom and earn second chances for players.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • The tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This approach was meant to counter Vucic's one-man rule and restore a sense of community and solidarity.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Maybe not laugh-out-loud humor, though that’s there, but other forms of humor like wit, deadpan, understatement, exaggeration, recognition, irony.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, Roan brought her signature candor and wit to the performance, joking around with fans in the audience.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wit

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gummy
gumption
gums
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Cite this Entry

“Gumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gumption. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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