PLUCKY Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

plucky

adjective

Definition of plucky

as in brave

informal having or showing a lot of courage or determination A plucky young man who never gave up on his dream.

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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 plucky As Fignon, four-time winner Bernard Hinault and LeMond fought for the overall General Classification minutes behind, the plucky Barteau gallantly, though hopelessly, defended his lead, allowing Fignon to preserve his efforts. — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 And although Etna’s narrative voice—vulnerable, curious, endearingly direct—inclines the reader to envision the pluckiest good boy, humanity’s violence deprives him of a gentle youth. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 California sewed up 2nd place, amazingly, in the group with a win over the plucky Miami team. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The story of a plucky Canadian station in the golden era of alternative radio is headed to PBS. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plucky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky

Adjective

All 18,000 tickets had been given to anyone willing to brave long lines.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Set the scene Anyone brave enough to travel long-haul with young children will appreciate the speedy 30-minute transfer time—and the excitement of a seaplane—between Malé and Lux* South Ari Atoll.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of brave

Adjective

However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

On the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, Field of Vision is launching a new documentary on Ukraine’s valiant fight to maintain its freedom.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
What would be the worst moment in a mere mortal’s career, Hoecht turned into a valiant scene.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of valiant

Adjective

This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Founded by Charles Tanqueray in London, the brand was built on a fearless pursuit of perfection — with over 300 versions created before the final London Dry expression was perfected.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fearless

Adjective

With his newfound resolve/death wish, Jacob is determined to keep his sister’s and nephew’s killers on that bridge until backup arrives.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
The National Hurricane Center has a set number of lists, which include one pre-determined name for every letter of the alphabet, that are used on a rotational basis, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

— Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of determined

Adjective

Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.

— Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026

Definition of gallant

Adjective

The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
These questions challenge candidates to acknowledge mistakes and share credit—the antithesis of their natural motivation to self-aggrandize and create a heroic image of their impact.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of heroic

Browse Nearby Words

plucks

plucky

plug

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“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plucky. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of plucky

adjective

Example Sentences

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