pluck 1 of 2

noun

Definition of plucknext
1
as in pull
the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force a quick pluck pulled the hair right out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship it takes pluck to survive a crippling car accident and still go on to become successful

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pluck

2 of 2

verb

ˈplək How to pronounce pluck (audio)
as in to squeeze
to rob by the use of trickery or threats the Internet opened up a whole new medium for con artists to pluck the gullible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pluck
Noun
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026 The multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, who rocks an early era Maxwell ‘fro, plays drums, plucks bass, and sings about the ups and downs of love and consumerism on his new album, LK99. — Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026
Verb
Getting up from their seats backstage at Bear Shadow, Pandolfi and Falco head over to meet up with the other three Dusters who are plucking a few notes on their instruments under a large maple tree behind the stage. — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026 Upending global trade, plucking a dictator out of Caracas, escalating to full-on war with Iran, shredding alliances, courting despots — the major twists and turns of this administration never end. — Kate Andrews, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pluck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pluck
  1. pull
  2. courage
  3. squeeze
  4. tug
  5. grit
  6. sting
  7. yank
  8. fortitude
Noun
  • One study found that review models performed far worse on real pull requests than on synthetic bugs.
    — Jeff An, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Recently, a new wave of openings and renovations has joined them, in step with Scotland’s creative pull.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of pull
Noun
  • Independence gave us the courage to cross the last threshold.
    — Amelia Rose Barlow, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Michael Haneke’s adaptation of The Piano Teacher gives me courage.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of courage
Verb
  • For hungry Southerners trying to squeeze a meal into their lunch breaks, that’s a major blunder.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Push through the soles of your feet and squeeze your glutes to drive your hips upward.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • Nothing about Capra is weirder, to be honest, than the way in which, from one film of his to the next, suicide tugs at our sleeve.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The tug was attacked in the Gulf of Oman, south of the narrow Strait of Hormuz, which has faced blockades and attacks in recent months.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of tug
Noun
  • Cornbread, barbecue chicken, grits and seasonal market vegetables now showcase Brock’s inventive, soulful cooking — and have brought diners back to the restaurant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The art of assemblage, a cobbling together of things with glue, glitter, and grit, became a way of life.
    — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of grit
Verb
  • Continue reading … CROSSING THE AISLE — Manchin delivers stinging rebuke to Schumer with surprise Senate campaign stop.
    — , FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sting
Noun
  • Smudge, yank, squash and draw on photos to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces meant to be shared.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The yanks are coming, the yanks are coming!
    — Kirk Bowman, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Definition of yank
Noun
  • But more importantly — and what comes with age — is having the fortitude not to follow them.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That mental fortitude stood out to Green during a minor-league game in which Voit started 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortitude

Browse Nearby Words

ploys
pluck
plucked
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Cite this Entry

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

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