funk 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈfəŋk How to pronounce funk (audio)
Definition of funknext
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell the overpowering funk of rotten meat emanated from the garbage bin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

funk

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in coward
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

funk

3 of 3

verb

as in to duck

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 funk
Noun
Made with both fresh garlic and garlic powder, plus Parmesan, butter, and fresh parsley, the filling goes all in on the savory funk. — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 One of them is Electric Piquete, the veteran Miami band full of Latin jazz-funk grooves and poetry. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
This public artwork and its function — as in, this party and the space’s purpose — feels like a mirror, a temple to self, a shrine to funk, a dedication and invitation to experience what is still so divine and aspirational about the present moment. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Music fans are still mourning the death of legendary singer D’Angelo and lauding how the vastness of his musical experiences, from gospel to funk to soul, permeates his catalog. — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for funk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for funk
  1. stench
  2. coward
  3. duck
  4. chicken
  5. avoid
  6. shun
  7. shake
  8. dodge
Noun
  • After the smoke subsided, residents reported feeling effects from the stench of rotting meat and food from the warehouse interior, where it had been stored frozen on tall racks that were hundreds of feet across.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Cleanup efforts, meanwhile, were continuing at the Lineage Logistics food-storage warehouse following the massive June 17 fire, with the stench of rotting food and pest problems disrupting the surrounding neighborhood, according to reports.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • But Coyote has hitched his hopes for the mammoth case upon a man who could only be called a coward.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The pundits feasted on her neutrality, most venomously Megyn Kelly, who called her a coward.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of coward
Verb
  • Store employees are seen ducking for cover as more shots are fired.
    — Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Massey apologized and ducked behind a kitchen counter before Grayson fired three times.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of duck
Noun
  • Served on a bed of jasmine rice, the bowl includes chicken tinga — a Mexican dish in which the chicken is shredded and simmered in a smoky, slightly spicy red sauce — roasted corn salsa, pico de gallo, avocado crema and sliced jalapeños.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Adobos, whether with three chiles or the lone suave guajillo chile, become life-giving purees for marinated fish, chicken and beef shank.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of chicken
Verb
  • The second, Kiyosaki’s actual father, served as an example of what to avoid.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When Mica went to her sister Sierra’s home to avoid these situations, Miller allegedly threatened to show up at the house armed.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Many Amish people shun certain kinds of modern technology, and Reichenbach says many now use ride services to get around.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • To shun them now is to spit in the face of our nation’s history.
    — Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shun
Verb
  • Beck didn’t participate in the book, but Riesman finds enough friends, family and associates to assemble a complex portrait of an artist who wants his audiences to see him as fashion-forward but has had a hard time shaking his past.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Thunderous applause may greet one documentary premiering at the Venice Film Festival, fitting for a story of athletes who shake the earth with every footfall.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Roosts can be hard to access, and as these fleet flitters can also dodge nets, not to mention breezily detect them using their echolocation capabilities.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Edmunds then dodged a rusher to complete a 49-yard pass to Skylar Robinson to set up a 32-yard field goal Malachi Newmaster on the final play of the first half.
    — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of dodge

Browse Nearby Words

fungicides
funk
funked
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Cite this Entry

“Funk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/funk. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on funk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funk

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