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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Recent Examples of plucky
Designers like Sergio Hudson and Emilia Wickstead showcased cotton candy pink on their spring/summer 2025 runways, while labels like Quince and Hill House Home have plucky shades like sky blue on offer.
—
Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 25 June 2025
This finals matchup is a perfect promotional ending, with this 68-win Thunder squad showing dominance is still possible in the second-apron era and the plucky Pacers (who started the season 10-15 before finishing 50-32) reminding the masses underdog tales are still in play, too.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Other crucial plot developments have involved the reveal that a French chef wasn’t actually French, a plucky servant’s attempts to patent an alarm clock, and Agnes’s dramatic decision to cross the street in order to speak to the Russells in person.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2025
The plucky teen son of the chief, a boy named Hiccup (played by Mason Thames), befriends a sleek black dragon named Toothless and learns that fighting the beasts isn’t the only answer.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plucky
Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 25 June 2025
This finals matchup is a perfect promotional ending, with this 68-win Thunder squad showing dominance is still possible in the second-apron era and the plucky Pacers (who started the season 10-15 before finishing 50-32) reminding the masses underdog tales are still in play, too.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Other crucial plot developments have involved the reveal that a French chef wasn’t actually French, a plucky servant’s attempts to patent an alarm clock, and Agnes’s dramatic decision to cross the street in order to speak to the Russells in person.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2025
The plucky teen son of the chief, a boy named Hiccup (played by Mason Thames), befriends a sleek black dragon named Toothless and learns that fighting the beasts isn’t the only answer.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plucky
Adjective
-
These brave men and women conducting rescue operations have saved many people but sadly, there have also been at least 50 fatalities reported, including 15 children as of Saturday night.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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The future of this country belongs to those brave enough to remember—and bold enough to keep building toward a more perfect union.—
Stacey Abrams,
Essence,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be courageous and walk up to people who seem interesting.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
-
Just in time for Mercury retrograde to begin on July 18, the messenger planet will backspin through your second house of self-worth and value systems, encouraging you to speak up and be more courageous and authentic about your heart’s desires.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Still, Jurassic World Rebirth makes a valiant effort to put its own terrifying spin on the source material.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
3 July 2025
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Despite his valiant efforts, however, Gi-hun doesn’t make it out of this story alive.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
The key was producing a fearless collective of players — at odds with the previous century of football in Belgium.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
-
Her all-court game and fearless attitude have turned heads, and her poise beyond her years is drawing comparisons to some of the sport's all-time greats.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
But that doesn't diminish the emotional payoff of watching its determined hero tackle (no pun intended) one obstacle after another.—
Sophie van Bastelaer,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
-
The winner of the Kansas City Regional will advance to the TBT quarterfinals on July 28 at a yet to be determined location.—
Gary Bedore
July 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.—
Karl Mondon,
Mercury News,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
The older priest is resolute, determined to once more do battle with the Devil.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued in the last 36 hours and there were heroic efforts at the camps to save children.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
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This time, all the characters are heroic fire fighters.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plucky. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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