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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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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
When those practitioners are taken away from patients, our pluck and determination waver. — Mindy Uhrlaub, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026 Often described as America’s most famous female tiger trainer, the Tiger Queen was renowned for her pluck and charisma. — Alessandro Meregaglia, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Phoebes are adept flycatchers, and usually pluck their meals in midflight. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 Nicola Peltz Beckham has been plucked to receive a rising star award for her work as an actress, producer and budding filmmaker. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 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
  • And the who, what and why of the vengeful spirit is the narrative pull of the play — along with the tense anticipation of more revelations, suspicions and shocks.
    — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • A’mahri loved going outdoors and taking rides in his pull-along wagon.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pull
Noun
  • As her translator, Anedda’s thought, as well as some of her courage, became part of my existence in the long months such a project entails.
    — Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
  • With their conceit, the clout chasers have turned his courage into a template without asking what made the original worth copying.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Verb
  • These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Job seekers in South Florida are navigating a tricky mix of stubborn inflation, high interest rates and an AI shift that’s squeezing entry-level hiring.
    — Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • To keep your dog safe, only tug from side to side as lifting the rope toy can damage your dog’s spine.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If your toddler stubbornly digs their heels in, don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a potty training tug of war.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of tug
Noun
  • His exceptional talent, determination, and grit will leave a lasting legacy at NASA.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Seafood is the star of the show here—especially the shrimp and grits and crab cakes, which Bernthal says are a must-order.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Verb
  • As a young Black woman, the betrayal stung as much as a rejection by any guy.
    — Sarah Jones, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The bugs, particularly ticks, ants, mosquitoes and stinging insects, are going to take full advantage thanks to warmer temperatures, according to the National Pest Management Associations (NPMA)'s biannual Bug Barometer®.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 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
  • Richards somehow had the fortitude to continue a grueling European tour in the middle of all this chaos and sorrow, but a stadium run through America at the end of the summer was simply too much to ask.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Camping can be either a delightful pastime or a test of fortitude, depending largely on the bug situation.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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