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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spunk
Grossmont showed some spunk, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the inning.
—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Still, the Marty Supreme star and Best Actor nominee brought the same spunk and confidence to the red carpet that his on-screen counterpart brought to the ping-pong table.
—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
15 Mar. 2026
But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin's fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk was back.
—
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability.
—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Still, the Marty Supreme star and Best Actor nominee brought the same spunk and confidence to the red carpet that his on-screen counterpart brought to the ping-pong table.
—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
15 Mar. 2026
But by the time of his individual short program Tuesday night, Malinin's fearless swagger and unrivaled spunk was back.
—
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability.
—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spunk
Noun
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Their courage quickly wavers in the face of the location’s eerie atmosphere and the deafening sound of cicadas.
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That courage is greater than talent, and people remember who had it.
Noun
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The fans got their wish after a roller coaster of emotions as Team USA, down a man for the final 36 minutes after a Folarin Balogun red card, showed grit, poise and never-say-die attitude to hang on for a 2-0 win to advance to the Round of 16.
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Surviving a World Cup knockout-stage brawl takes a special kind of grit.
Noun
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What sets him apart is his character, mental fortitude and sheer physical resilience.
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There may have been flaws in the analysis provided to the president before his decision to strike, or if there weren’t, then no one in the intelligence community had the fortitude or gravitas to help the president understand the realities of the situation.
Noun
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The revolutionary leaders proved their character with sacrifice and bravery.
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Without their bravery and will to stand up to England, the most powerful military force in history up to that time, and fight for their right to be free, our United States of America would be a much different place.
Noun
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The Estadio Azteca, which will host the England game, sits 2,240 metres above sea level, which not only gives the hosts an acclimatisation advantage but shifts greater focus onto physical stamina and endurance.
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The rucking vest has moved from military training grounds into mainstream fitness gear, and 2026 has delivered a wave of new options built for people who want to add strength and stamina to a simple walk.
Noun
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That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
Noun
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After dropping out of high school in 1922, Ed Link followed his father into the family business, learning how bellows and pneumatic pressure—the guts of organs—could be made to simulate movement.
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In one montage played for laughs, an emperor is squashed by a panda and a king is beheaded, although there is no blood or guts to speak of.
Noun
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But as far as their defensive commitment goes, and their sheer determination to see the game plan through, Paraguay deserve at least a little credit for almost shutting an incredible team down.
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For 250 years, Americans have overcome every challenge with grit, resilience, and determination.
Cite this Entry
“Spunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spunk. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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