Funk — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈfəŋk/

Meaning & Definition of Funk

Funk (noun)

  1. a strong offensive smell
  2. a state of paralyzing fear
  3. a depressed state of mind
  4. one that funks, coward
  5. music that combines elements of rhythm and blues and soul music and that is characterized by a percussive vocal style, static harmonies, and a strong bass line with heavy downbeats
  6. the quality or state of being funky

Funk (verb)

  1. to become frightened and shrink back
  2. to be afraid of, dread
  3. to shrink from undertaking or facing

Funk (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a strong unpleasant smell

    "the overpowering funk of rotten meat emanated from the garbage bin"

    similar: reek, stench, stink
    related: acridness, fetidness, foulness, fustiness, malodorousness, mustiness, odoriferousness, odorousness, rancidity, rankness, staleness, badness, vileness, dirt, dirtiness, filth, filthiness, nastiness, effluvium, emission, odor, redolence, scent, sniff
    opposite: aroma, fragrance, perfume
    near: floweriness, lusciousness, savoriness, spiciness, sweetness, bouquet, ambrosia

  2. a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger

    "he may be a strong, athletic guy, but he's a real funk when it comes to donating blood"

    similar: chicken, coward, craven, cur, dastard, poltroon, recreant, sissy
    related: defeatist, quitter, cream puff, milquetoast, pushover, pussy (slang), weakling, wimp, caitiff, snake, sneak, ostrich, scaramouch
    opposite: hero, stalwart, valiant
    near: daredevil

Funk (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in dodge, duck

    similar: dodge, duck, shirk, sidestep, avoid, eschew, shun, elude, escape, evade, shake
    opposite: beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, dare, defy, face, outbrave, outface, face up (to), front, affront

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Funk

The most common words with a similar meaning to Funk:

reek, stench, stink, chicken, coward, craven, cur, dastard, poltroon, recreant, sissy, dodge, duck, shirk, sidestep, avoid, eschew, shun, elude, escape, evade, shake

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Funk

Words with the opposite meaning of Funk:

aroma, fragrance, perfume, hero, stalwart, valiant, beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, dare, defy, face, outbrave, outface, face up (to), front, affront

Related Words for Funk

acridness, fetidness, foulness, fustiness, malodorousness, mustiness, odoriferousness, odorousness, rancidity, rankness, staleness, badness, vileness, dirt, dirtiness, filth, filthiness, nastiness, effluvium, emission, odor, redolence, scent, sniff, defeatist, quitter, cream puff, milquetoast, pushover, pussy

Near Antonyms of Funk

floweriness, lusciousness, savoriness, spiciness, sweetness, bouquet, ambrosia, daredevil

Word Forms of Funk

Inflections: funked, funking, funks

Origin & Etymology of Funk

probably ultimately from French dialect (Picard) funquer to give off smoke

First known use: 1606

Words & Phrases Containing Funk

funk hole

Frequently Asked Questions about Funk

What does "Funk" mean?

"Funk" means a strong offensive smell. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a strong offensive smell. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Funk"?

Other words for "Funk" include reek, stench, stink, chicken, coward, craven, cur and dastard. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Funk" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Funk"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Funk". Common alternatives include reek, stench, stink, chicken, coward, craven, cur, dastard, poltroon and recreant.

What is the opposite of "Funk"?

Antonyms of "Funk" include aroma, fragrance, perfume, hero, stalwart, valiant, beard and brave. Near antonyms include floweriness, lusciousness, savoriness and spiciness.

How do you use "Funk" in a sentence?

Examples of "Funk" in a sentence: "the overpowering funk of rotten meat emanated from the garbage bin"; "he may be a strong, athletic guy, but he's a real funk when it comes to donating blood".

Is "Funk" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Funk" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Funk"?

"Funk" is pronounced /ˈfəŋk/.

What is the origin of the word "Funk"?

"Funk" comes from probably ultimately from French dialect (Picard) funquer to give off smoke. First known use: 1606.