Spunk — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈspəŋk/

Meaning & Definition of Spunk

Spunk (noun)

  1. a woody tinder, punk
  2. any of various fungi used to make tinder
  3. mettle, pluck

Spunk (verb)

  1. to show spirit —usually used with up

Spunk (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship

    "had the spunk to overcome a severe physical disability"

    similar: backbone, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck
    related: determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valor, endurance, forbearance, stamina, sufferance, tolerance, heart, mettle, spirit, audacity, boldness, brass, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerviness, temerity
    opposite: spinelessness
    near: indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, faintheartedness, pusillanimity, timidity, timorousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Spunk

The most common words with a similar meaning to Spunk:

backbone, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Spunk

Words with the opposite meaning of Spunk:

spinelessness

Related Words for Spunk

determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valor, endurance, forbearance, stamina, sufferance, tolerance, heart, mettle, spirit, audacity, boldness, brass, cheek

Near Antonyms of Spunk

indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, faintheartedness, pusillanimity, timidity, timorousness

Word Forms of Spunk

Inflections: spunked, spunking, spunks

Origin & Etymology of Spunk

Scottish Gaelic spong sponge, tinder, from Middle Irish spongc, from Latin spongia sponge

First known use: 1582

Frequently Asked Questions about Spunk

What does "Spunk" mean?

"Spunk" means a woody tinder, punk. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a woody tinder, punk.

What is another word for "Spunk"?

Other words for "Spunk" include backbone, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts and intestinal fortitude. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Spunk" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Spunk"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Spunk". Common alternatives include backbone, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude and pluck.

What is the opposite of "Spunk"?

Antonyms of "Spunk" include spinelessness. Near antonyms include indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution and vacillation.

How do you use "Spunk" in a sentence?

Examples of "Spunk" in a sentence: "had the spunk to overcome a severe physical disability".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Spunk"?

"Spunk" is pronounced /ˈspəŋk/.

What is the origin of the word "Spunk"?

"Spunk" comes from Scottish Gaelic spong sponge, tinder, from Middle Irish spongc, from Latin spongia sponge. First known use: 1582.