gutsy

adjective

ˈgət-sē 
Definition of gutsy
1
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks a gutsy coach willing to let her team improvise on the court

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courageous
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament they were gutsy enough to attempt a rescue on their own

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gutsy Boston’s trade for Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is probably the gutsiest move at the deadline. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Rallying the independent and moderate Republican base behind Cox to try to push him across the finish line goes beyond a gutsy call. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026 Each sentence is diamond cut … Buntin has outdone herself … leases and provokes from every vantage point, but what is especially remarkable is Buntin’s audacity, her gutsy choices, and her clarity. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 One of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics came early, when skier Lindsey Vonn delivered a gutsy performance for the ages by competing at 41 just a week after injuring her knee in a crash. — Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gutsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gutsy
  1. adventurous
  2. courageous
  3. daring
  4. brave
  5. fearless
  6. valiant
  7. bold
  8. heroic
Adjective
  • There are dozens of ships, operators and itineraries, from small, adventurous expedition vessels to larger ships offering comfort and luxury.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Often cast in adventurous roles, he was much admired for his elegant bearing.
    — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of adventurous
Adjective
  • President Harry Truman’s courageous decision to support the United Nations in defending the South against invasion from the North laid the foundation for today’s remarkably successful Republic of Korea.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But no revelation is as courageous or groundbreaking as Panettiere’s description of her experience with postpartum depression.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • Finn Gomez / Getty Images Kirkwood, who races for Andretti Global, started second but took the lead on the opening lap with a daring maneuver around the outside of pole-sitter and championship leader Alex Palou in front of the National Archives.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As the investigation unfolded, what initially appeared to be a daring ransom scheme evolved into a complex story of obsession, deception, and unexpected motives.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • One brave expression can bring more life back into your day than overthinking ever will.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Pictures from History/Getty Images Duleep was the child of Singh and Rani Jindan, a beautiful and brave woman.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • 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
  • But Abney’s instincts and fearless makeup were always going to leave an impact on this staff.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of fearless
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
  • By the time Hacks reached its fifth and final season, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) was still Deborah Vance — big earrings, bold looks and all.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Traditional toile patterns tend to tap bold blues and greens, but the chocolate hue is a decidedly autumnal shade.
    — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • The challenge is to preserve human dignity while recovering our capacity for heroic ambition.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Reading will never survive as an individual act of heroic resistance; history shows that reading is and always has been a solitary act sustained by communities.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of heroic

Browse Nearby Words

guts it out
gutsy
gutted
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Cite this Entry

“Gutsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gutsy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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